WhatsApp messenger to begin offering usernames

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The hundreds of millions who use Meta-owned messenger WhatsApp to chat with family, friends or businesses will no longer need to share phone numbers under a coming update, the company said Monday.

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Instead, people will be able to pick unique usernames to share with others, in a move “designed to protect the privacy of your phone number,” WhatsApp said in a statement.

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Restricting access to phone numbers would mean they are not shared automatically in cases such as being added to a large group chat or messaging person or business for the first time, the company added.

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What’s more “there’s no directory to browse and no suggestions, so people need to know your exact username to contact you,” Meta said.

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As with other social media services, the sheer number of people — Meta claims over three billion — using WhatsApp means many may not get their first choice of handle.

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The company said it would gradually roll out username reservations worldwide “over the coming months”, notifying users in each country when they open there.

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Meanwhile, “creators, small businesses and organizations” will be allowed to claim WhatsApp usernames that they already use on fellow Meta products Facebook or Instagram.

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AFP

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