What privacy settings has WhatsApp changed?
WhatsApp is introducing a new privacy feature that will allow users to be identified by usernames instead of phone numbers. This change, designed to enhance privacy amid past scrutiny of data protection practices, will be rolled out gradually to its global user base.
The story so far
- Jun 30
How outlets cover it
2 outletsNot rated on the left–right scale. It describes Western party politics and doesn’t fit state media or outlets outside that system, so we show ownership and country instead.
Open questions and key claims
The new move is a step towards making the app more private, allowing users to join large group chats even if they felt unready to give out their numbers.
Alice Newton-Rex, WhatsApp’s vice president of product, stated this is a core privacy feature.
WhatsApp will let users go by usernames instead of phone numbers.
The feature is designed to give its three billion users a new layer of control over who can contact them.
WhatsApp will soon no longer require users to share their phone numbers before texting.
Users can reserve a unique username, which allows them to text without swapping numbers.
Who and where
Related stories over time
same people and places- Feb 12 earlierRussia bans WhatsApp, pushes state-backed alternative3 articles · 3 outlets
- Jun 30◆ This story