WhatsApp rolls out usernames for its three billion users

WhatsApp will introduce a new privacy feature allowing users to communicate through unique usernames rather than sharing personal phone numbers, in a move aimed at giving users greater control over how they connect on the messaging platform.

The feature, which will be rolled out globally over the coming months, will be available to the platform's three billion users. People can begin reserving usernames this week, although use of the feature will remain optional. Users will still be required to register for WhatsApp with a phone number, says the BBC.

Usernames will be limited to 35 characters and can be changed or removed at any time, according to details released about the update.

The company is also introducing measures intended to reduce impersonation risks. Usernames associated with high-profile officials and celebrities will not be made broadly available. WhatsApp will not create a public directory of usernames, and users will continue to have options to block or report unwanted messages.

The change comes as messaging platforms face growing scrutiny over privacy and user safety. WhatsApp's head of product, Alice Newton-Rex, said the feature responds to concerns from users who are uncomfortable sharing phone numbers in group conversations.

The move follows a similar step taken by secure messaging platform Signal in 2024.

While the update is designed to give users more control over personal information shared with others, some privacy experts remain cautious about the platform's broader data practices. Although private messages on WhatsApp are protected by end-to-end encryption, Meta continues to collect metadata, including information such as communication patterns and timing, to support its advertising business.

Separately, WhatsApp is also undergoing a leadership transition. Kunal Shah, founder of an Indian financial technology start-up, is set to succeed Will Cathcart as the head of the platform.