WhatsApp to Allow Username registration, Moving Away From phone Number Reliance
Berlin - WhatsApp is preparing to let users register with a username instead of a phone number, a meaningful shift in how teh messaging platform verifies accounts. The feature, first spotted in a beta version, has been in progress for over two years and aims to enhance user privacy and offer an alternative for those hesitant to share their phone number.
Currently, WhatsApp requires a phone number to create an account, linking the service directly to a user’s personal mobile identifier. The upcoming change will allow users to create a unique username, similar to those used on platforms like Telegram and Signal, offering a layer of separation between their WhatsApp identity and their phone number. Signal has long allowed username registration with frequent changes permitted,a flexibility WhatsApp’s implementation may or may not match.
The move addresses growing privacy concerns and provides a more accessible option for users who prefer not to disclose their phone number. While the exact rollout date remains unconfirmed, the feature is expected to become available following the completion of testing. Users will be able to weigh in on the feature via the comment section, with PCGamesHardware encouraging registration to participate and adhere to forum rules.
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