Dev Tools · 1h ago
WhatsApp to Launch Usernames, Ditching Phone Number Sharing
WhatsApp is rolling out a usernames feature globally over the next few months, allowing users to chat without sharing phone numbers. The update aims to enhance privacy by letting people connect via a unique handle. This move aligns with Meta's broader push to make WhatsApp more competitive with messaging apps like Telegram and Signal.
Meridian48 take
Usernames are a long-overdue privacy upgrade, but the real test will be how WhatsApp handles abuse and spam without phone number verification.
whatsappprivacy