WhatsApp has responded to concerns over its upcoming usernames feature, clarifying that users will not be discoverable through a public directory or username suggestions. The clarification came after social media users raised privacy concerns, suggesting that anyone would be abl…
WhatsApp has responded to concerns over its upcoming usernames feature, clarifying that users will not be discoverable through a public directory or username suggestions. The clarification came after social media users raised privacy concerns, suggesting that anyone would be able to search for a username and start messaging its owner. Responding to one such post, WhatsApp said there will be “no directory or suggestions,” meaning users must know a person’s exact username to initiate contact. The messaging platform also said users will have the option to enable a “username key,” an additional privacy feature that would also be required before someone can reach them. The clarification comes as WhatsApp prepares to roll out usernames, a feature designed to let users connect without sharing their phone numbers. The company has yet to announce an official release date for the feature. (Newswire)