The secure messaging app Signal introduced an identical service in 2024, external.
“It is a good feature, but even if it does offer more privacy, remember WhatsApp is not a privacy-friendly app overall,” said Carisa Veliz, a professor at Oxford University and author of Privacy is Power.
“It collects much metadata about users for marketing purposes.
“We have to remember that WhatsApp is owned by Meta – one of the tech companies with the worst track records when it comes to privacy.”
WhatsApp does not use the content of private chats for advertising. Those are protected by end-to-end-encryption, meaning the firm cannot read the contents of messages.
But it does use data – such as your general location and basic account information such as age – to support advertising.
Once the feature is fully rolled out, individual phone numbers will no longer be visible on WhatsApp.
There will be no public username directory, and phone numbers will still be required in order to have a WhatsApp account in the first place.
Some have raised concern that usernames could open the door to more scams on the platform.
The company told one X user, external who asked about safeguards to protect users against scammers that it has “multiple layers of defense in place”.
It said optional username keys – short numbered codes – can be added, which would mean people can only contact you if they have your username and its key.
It added that its systems “detect and block abuse patterns”.
The minimum age for using the platform is 13, and messaging apps will not be included in the UK’s upcoming social media ban for under 16 year olds, due to be implemented next year.
WhatsApp recently announced Kunal Shah, the founder of an Indian fintech start-up, would be taking over as head of the platform – with Will Cathcart stepping down after seven years in the role.
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Image source, Getty Images
