WhatsApp has begun rolling out a new feature that will allow users to reserve a username within the app. The goal is to make it possible, in the future, to add a new contact without having to share your phone number, thus strengthening privacy protections.
The announcement, however, sparked heated debate on social networks. On X (formerly Twitter), several users expressed concern that the new contact method could facilitate harassment, unwanted contact, or scam attempts, as already happens on other messaging platforms.
Among the most commonly cited examples is Telegram, where you can search for a user by their username and instantly start a conversation. Critics argue that a similar system on WhatsApp could compromise users’ privacy, allowing anyone to track them down simply by typing their username.
“WhatsApp usernames should be a concern for everyone,” wrote one user on X. “On social media, we often use a username that is similar to our real name. On WhatsApp, this could turn into a privacy nightmare, because anyone could search for us and contact us directly.”
Faced with the controversy, WhatsApp intervened directly on the platform itself to reassure users, specifying that no public list of usernames will be created and that the app will not automatically suggest profiles during searches.
In practice, to find someone, you’ll need to know the exact username they’ve chosen. It won’t be possible to perform general searches or browse a public database of profiles.
According to the company, the introduction of usernames represents a further step towards greater privacy protection and will offer users an alternative to sharing their phone number. The feature will be completely optional, and each username will be unique.
“Usernames are our latest step in giving users more options for managing their privacy within the app,” WhatsApp said. “The feature is entirely optional, and each user will have a unique name.”
The company also explained that it has developed additional protection systems to prevent usernames from becoming a means for strangers to easily contact you. Among the new features is the introduction of a sort of “key” associated with the username.
With this security system, a person can contact another user using their username only if they also have the corresponding password. According to WhatsApp, this solution will significantly reduce the risk of accidental or unwanted contact.
“There will be no searchable list or automatic suggestions. If the user activates the key associated with the username, no one will be able to reach them through this system without having it,” the platform specified.
WhatsApp also reminded that all current security measures will continue to apply. When you receive a message from an unknown contact, the app will display useful information to assess their trustworthiness, such as the date the account was created, whether they are in your contacts, whether they participate in the same groups, or their country of origin.
Users will still have full control over managing new contacts, with the ability to accept, block, or report them at any time.
While username reservation has already launched for some users, the full feature is expected to be made available progressively by the end of the year.