WhatsApp, owned by Meta, is preparing to launch a new feature that will allow users to chat without disclosing their phone numbers. This update, designed to enhance privacy and improve the messaging experience, will let users interact using only their usernames instead of their phone numbers.
The feature is currently being tested in the 2.24.18.2 beta version for Android. Once it is fully implemented, users will create a unique username linked to their WhatsApp account. This username can then be shared with others to initiate conversations, eliminating the need to exchange phone numbers.
For users who already have each other’s phone numbers saved, those numbers will still be visible. Additionally, a new anti-spam measure in the beta version will require a PIN (at least four digits) for initiating chats with users who haven’t been previously interacted with, even if their username is known.
It is uncertain when these features will be available beyond the beta phase, but reports suggest they may not be rolled out until the end of the year.
In related news, WhatsApp is also working on a feature that will allow users to reshare status updates where they have been mentioned, similar to Instagram’s functionality. This “Reshare Status Updates” feature will make it easier for users to share tagged content with their contacts.
