WhatsApp is launching usernames: here’s how to reserve yours
WhatsApp is introducing usernames, allowing its 3 billion users to connect without sharing their phone numbers.
📍 Aftermath
WhatsApp introduced a feature allowing users to go by usernames instead of phone numbers to address a privacy blind spot. Reservations for these usernames were opened to users.
Epilogue added 51d ago, after coverage quieted.
Answered
Why is WhatsApp introducing usernames?
According to AP News, the feature closes a privacy blind spot by allowing users to chat without swapping phone numbers.
Who can reserve a username?
Bloomberg reports that username reservations are open to WhatsApp's 3 billion users.
How do I get a username?
Coverage from The Verge and 9to5Mac indicates that reservations are currently open and provides instructions on how to claim one.
Where it stands
WhatsApp is launching a username system that enables users to communicate without exchanging phone numbers. Reservations for these usernames are now open to the platform's 3 billion users.
Coverage from AP News, BBC, and Bloomberg emphasizes that this move addresses a privacy blind spot by removing the requirement to swap phone numbers. The Verge and 9to5Mac provide guidance on how users can reserve and claim their specific usernames.
Future developments will center on the rollout and adoption of these usernames across the global user base as reservations proceed.
Synthesized by Newsylist from the headlines below under a strict no-invention contract. ✓ fact-checked: all claims supported by sources Updated 53d ago.
Sources (10)
- WhatsApp to let users go by usernames, not phone numbers Al Jazeera · 53d ago
- WhatsApp Now Lets You Reserve a Username MacRumors · 53d ago
- You Need to Claim Your WhatsApp Username Right Now Gizmodo · 53d ago
- Usernames Are Coming to WhatsApp Soon. Here's How to Reserve Yours WIRED · 53d ago
- WhatsApp is launching usernames: here’s how to reserve yours The Verge · 53d ago broke it first
- WhatsApp will allow users to go by usernames instead of phone numbers, closing a privacy blind spot AP News · 53d ago
- WhatsApp username reservations are now open, here’s how to claim yours 9to5Mac · 53d ago
- WhatsApp to let people chat without swapping phone numbers BBC · 53d ago
- WhatsApp Opens Username Reservations to 3 Billion Users Bloomberg.com · 53d ago
- WhatsApp is launching usernames: here’s how to reserve yours The Verge · 53d ago broke it first
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