WhatsApp is preparing to launch a new feature that will allow users to communicate using usernames instead of phone numbers, the company announced.
The primary goal of the global rollout is to protect user privacy, the company said. Many people are reluctant to share their phone number with strangers but still want to connect on WhatsApp, and the username feature addresses that concern.
The feature has not yet launched, but WhatsApp said it will be available later this year. Users will soon be able to choose and reserve their usernames.
Using a username will not be mandatory. Users can change or delete their username at any time, and the ability to block or report unwanted messages will remain available.
While many see the username feature as a significant step toward protecting user privacy, experts have raised concerns about potential misuse, including the creation of fake profiles and fraud.
According to Indian media reports, the Indian government has sent a notice to Meta regarding the new feature. The notice reportedly asks Meta not to launch the feature until the risks of misuse have been thoroughly discussed, though the government has not officially confirmed this.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report