WhatsApp is working on the implementation of user names and, as a first step, will allow Book yours before launch. The change aims to solve one of the greatest criticisms of the platform: depending on the phone number for everything. With this novelty, you can share a unique identifier and better protect your number in specific conversations, public groups or when you contact people out of your contacts.
The function is still in development, but it already appears in the last beta of Android. Everything indicates that there will be a gradual deployment and a reserve system, through which each user can ensure their favorite alias accessing the Settings section. It is a movement with impact on privacy, safety and identity management Within the app, and also closer WhatsApp to what for years have offered rivals such as Telegram or Signal.
What changes for your privacy and your day to day
Until now, WhatsApp has linked accounts to the phone number, something comfortable to find contacts, but problematic when you want to speak without exposing your number. The User names They solve much of that dilemma: you can share a unique “handle” to make you locate without revealing personal data. It also facilitates tasks such as publishing customer service or attending specific queries without mixing your real number.
The company also works on an additional mechanism called “User Me Key” (User key). This key would act as extra control layer: even knowing your username, another person I couldn't write you Unless you also have your key if you decide to activate it. For those who participate in open communities, second -hand purchases or events, this barrier will reduce the spam and the supplant attempts.
How the reservation will work and when it will arrive
In the last beta for Android, it has been discovered A new option within settings aimed at reserving your username. The idea is simple: although the complete compatibility with the usernames late to reach everyone, you can ensure your alias The sooner during the test period. Thus it is avoided that a small group of initial users monopolize the most desired names.
For now, there is no Official date For the global deployment or closed details about migration from the current model. What does seem clear is that the reserve option will be available before the full support for user names, and that the process will be progressive to guarantee the stability of the service. They are also shuffled basic format rules (lowercase letters, numbers, points and low scripts), as well as the requirement of An alphabetical charactersomething we already see on other platforms.
Competition: Telegram to Issssage
The WhatsApp movement shortens distances with other apps that already allow public identifiers. Telegram It has been offering usernames and links “T.me” for years, which makes it easier to be locally without number. Signal took a similar step for the number is not visible by default and you can share aliah. Even Imessage Allows you to use one Mail address As a point of contact. WhatsApp, with more than three billion of users, this leap was pending to reinforce the Default privacy Without complicating the experience.
A key step for WhatsApp in privacy
The arrival of User names It fits with a broader strategy to better control who can talk to you and how they find you. If the reserve scheme, the gradual deployment and the user key is confirmed, we would be before one of the most important changes of WhatsApp in years in terms of identity and security.
In recent months we have seen how goal has been working hard to provide us with tools necessary for a complete experience, since Real -time translation even key aspects for safety and privacy.
Are you going to reserve your alias as soon as you are available? What username would you choose for your WhatsApp account?
