Your phone number may soon be able to be hidden on WhatsApp by adding a username. This might increase security, but for how long?
WhatsApp is developing a new version that will enable users to select a distinctive username that will likely protect their phone number. A more memorable username would allow people to add you to their contacts without disclosing your registered mobile number. It was noted by WABetaInfo, a WhatsApp updates tracker, that the functionality is still in development and might not be widely available for some months. The article states that end-to-end encryption will still be used to secure discussions started using usernames.
Even WhatsApp beta users are currently denied access to the future. Therefore, it is unclear exactly how things work. Users can select a distinctive username to log in and communicate with others without disclosing their phone number on several social media platforms and some messaging apps, such as Signal. Apart from the opportunity to log in using a mobile phone, WhatsApp might provide comparable capabilities.
The story also gives a possible screenshot of how WhatsApp’s username function will operate. It is visible in the Settings menu’s Profile section.
Users of WhatsApp will get the chance to further protect their accounts’ privacy by selecting a username. As a result, users won’t have to rely solely on phone numbers to identify contacts; instead, they can choose an original and memorable username. As a result, WhatsApp may give users the option to contact others by entering a username in the app rather than their phone numbers.
The most recent update follows the widespread receipt of spam calls and emails by people worldwide and in India. Users in India have also reported receiving spam calls from international lines, usually with the intention of phishing.
Although using a username rather than a telephone number could increase security, experience teaches us that hackers and other bad guys will always find a way to trick others. For instance, usernames have traditionally been used to log onto social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, yet many users report continuing to get strange calls and messages from these applications.
Usernames may provide short-term solutions, but over time, spammers on WhatsApp may develop new techniques.
Readers should be aware that neither WhatsApp nor its parent company Meta has officially announced the functionality.
WhatsApp has recently started releasing features for users in India. A multi-device connectivity feature was added to the platform last month, enabling users to access WhatsApp on numerous phones using the built-in Link feature. In order to protect certain talks from prying eyes, WhatsApp also introduced the Lock Chat feature. The business also introduced an Edit message feature earlier this week, allowing customers to correct errors within 15 minutes of texting.