The most recent version of WhatsApp for iOS introduces usernames for more privacy

In its iOS beta version 23.20.1.71, WhatsApp has included an intriguing new feature: usernames, in an effort to improve user privacy and security. This ground-breaking innovation enables users to connect with one another without being required to provide phone numbers, making a huge advancement in the protection of private data.

This function has been there since May, when WABetaInfo first saw it on the WhatsApp for Android beta version. Now, a restricted number of iOS beta users are receiving this Telegram-inspired feature. Although it is still in development, it is predicted that future upgrades for Android and iOS devices will contain the username function.

Users are free to create usernames using both alphanumeric and specific special characters. It’s important to keep in mind that each username has to be unique and follow the norms used on other well-known platforms.

The ability to contact with people or companies without disclosing one’s real phone number is the feature’s most alluring benefit. The linked phone number is concealed when a conversation is started with a username unless the user chooses to voluntarily divulge it.

WhatsApp will provide users and companies the option to manually choose their preferred username. The creation of a username will be fully optional, giving people the freedom to choose if they want to take part. Users will soon be able to choose their own WhatsApp username with ease using the in-app profile settings.

WhatsApp’s strong end-to-end encryption will continue to benefit conversations started using usernames, ensuring that communication is kept private and safe. The user data and interactions are further protected by this feature. It’s crucial to understand that usernames cannot be used as a secondary way to access your WhatsApp account.

By allowing communication without the need for providing phone numbers, WhatsApp’s adoption of usernames represents a big step toward enhancing user privacy and security.

In similar news, Meta’s WhatsApp, which banned more than 7.4 million accounts in India in August, recently garnered headlines. Notably, more than 3.5 million of these accounts were aggressively banned before any user complaints were received.