Zoe Kleinman

WhatsApp will introduce optional usernames that allow users to communicate without sharing phone numbers, extending the feature to its global user base over the coming months. The company positions usernames as a privacy tool, though experts note Meta’s broader data-collection practices still pose concerns. The system will avoid duplicates for high‑profile names and retain existing privacy controls such as blocking and reporting. Phone numbers will remain required for account creation but will not be visible once the feature is fully deployed. The development comes as WhatsApp undergoes leadership changes and ahead of UK regulations that will ban social media for under‑16s but exempt messaging apps.

WhatsApp will introduce optional usernames that allow users to connect without sharing phone numbers, with global rollout planned in the coming months. The feature aims to enhance privacy by giving users more control over how they present themselves, though experts caution that WhatsApp and parent company Meta still collect extensive metadata. Usernames will not be searchable in a public directory, and phone numbers will still be required for account creation. The update follows similar functionality introduced by Signal and comes as WhatsApp undergoes leadership changes with Kunal Shah replacing Will Cathcart.