WhatsApp Prepares Username Features With PIN To Improve Security And Privacy

JAKARTA - WhatsApp is developing a new feature that allows users to use usernames as an alternative to share phone numbers. This feature is designed to improve privacy and security in communicating on the platform.

In the latest WhatsApp beta version for Android (v2.24.18.2), it is found that users will be able to create a unique username and set PIN as an additional security measure. With this feature, even if someone knows your WhatsApp username, they still need the PIN you choose to start the chat.

This feature aims to reduce the risk of spam and unwanted interactions. If your PIN is known to unwanted parties, you can easily change it, or even turn off the PIN feature if you want to make your profile more accessible.

Apart from PIN, WhatsApp is also likely to provide users with the option to choose whether a new chat will display their phone number or username. By selecting the username as an identification method, users can completely hide their phone number, making WhatsApp more secure and private.

Although this username and PIN feature is still in the development stage and is not yet available for beta testers, it shows a new direction WhatsApp is in its bid to increase user privacy. However, there is no official information on when this feature will be released to general users.