WhatsApp to Replace Numbers With Usernames With New Update

WhatsApp is the most popular social media app for calling, texting, and data sharing. The Meta-owned app keeps bringing new privacy features to keep the users data secure and end-to-end encrypted. The app is working on bringing another privacy focused update that allows users to block messages from unknown users. The upcoming update 2.24.17.24 for Android users will also secure your WhatsApp data through the Google Play Beta Program.

No Random Messsages From Unknown Numbers on WhatsApp

WABetaInfo reports that WhatsApp is developing a username and PIN feature, which will block messages from unknown accounts and replace numbers with usernames to protect users' privacy and prevent them from sharing their contact details with third parties. 

In the version Android 2.24.8.11, the app rolled out a privacy feature to disable link previews to reduce the risk of exposing browsing activity to third-party entities. The new update 2.24.17.24 will block messages from unknown accounts if they cross a certain volume of messages; it will protect users from spam messages, harmful communications, and fraud. This feature will also improve the device's performance by reducing the amount of spam that sucks the battery and fills the storage with trash files. Sometimes, spam accounts flood users with messages, which can strain the app. This update will marginally reduce the amount of WhatsApp data by enabling the ability to block unknown account messages. 

There is another option called 'Username with a four-digit PIN.'  Once enabled, only people with PINs will be able to connect you on WhatsApp. This feature is beneficial for users who prioritise their privacy, but its main drawback is that if someone already has your contact number, they can still connect you on WhatsApp. 

The stable Android users will have to wait for the proper update to try out these features. However, users who are using WhatsApp’s Android 2.24.18.2 beta can test this feature.