New Delhi: Instant messaging platform WhatsApp is preparing to bring another big privacy feature for its millions of users. The company has started testing the username reservation feature for Android and iPhone users. After the introduction of this feature, users will be able to connect with other people through a unique username instead of their mobile number. Its biggest advantage will be that there will be no need to share your mobile number while talking to unknown people or new contacts. It is believed that this feature will make the privacy of WhatsApp stronger than before.
What is the username reservation feature?
The new feature of WhatsApp will allow users to choose a unique username for their account. This username will be different for every person and through that other people will be able to find him. This means that in future there will be no need to share mobile number to start a conversation with someone. Just like on Telegram, Signal and some other messaging platforms, contact is done through username.
How will this feature work?
After setting the username, it will become your digital identity. If someone knows your username, he will be able to contact you without seeing or saving your mobile number. However, WhatsApp has also set some rules for this. Only small English letters, numbers, dot (.) and underscore (_) can be used in the username. Two dots cannot be placed consecutively and the username cannot begin with a word like “www”.
Who will get the biggest benefit?
This feature will be especially useful for those who do not want to make their personal mobile number public. People running businesses, online sellers, content creators, freelancers and professionals will be able to contact customers or new people through this, while their personal number will remain completely secure. With this, spam calls, unwanted messages and privacy related problems can also be reduced to a great extent.
What stage is the feature currently in?
According to reports, the username reservation feature is currently in the development and beta testing phase. This feature has started appearing in some beta users, while in the coming time it will be released to all Android and iPhone users in a phased manner. The company has not yet announced its official launch date.
Why is WhatsApp emphasizing privacy?
Over the past few years, WhatsApp has been continuously introducing features that enhance the security and privacy of users. After features like chat lock, secret code, disappearing messages, advanced chat privacy, screenshot control and call protection, now the username system is also being considered a big step in this direction. Technical experts say that this change will take WhatsApp closer to those messaging platforms where the option of username-based identification has been available for a long time. In the coming months, this feature can make digital privacy more secure and convenient than ever for millions of users around the world.
