WhatsApp, the popular messaging app owned by Facebook, has announced a new feature that will allow users to create and use usernames on its web app. This feature is designed to enhance the privacy and security of WhatsApp users, as they will no longer need to share their phone numbers with strangers or businesses to communicate with them.
According to WhatsApp, the username feature will be rolled out gradually to all web app users in the coming weeks. Users will be able to create their own usernames, or use the ones suggested by WhatsApp, and change them at any time. The usernames will be unique and case-sensitive, and will not be visible to other users unless they are shared by the owner.
The username feature will also enable users to access their WhatsApp chats on multiple devices without scanning a QR code every time. Users will simply need to enter their username and password to log in to the web app on any device. WhatsApp says that this feature will not compromise the end-to-end encryption of its messages, and that it will still store the phone numbers of its users securely.
WhatsApp hopes that the username feature will make its web app more convenient and user-friendly, especially for those who use it for business or personal purposes. The feature will also help users avoid spam calls and messages from unknown numbers, as they will have more control over who can contact them on WhatsApp.