Recent rumors about the latest iOS beta, version 25.17.10.70 (now in TestFlight), maybe suggest some major move WhatsApp seems to be cooking up hype around user privacy and security.
The big idea is: connecting and communicating through unique usernames that will allow the user to have their phone number hidden from sight. Now, that might cause a shift in the course, especially if it is up to you to decide who gets to know your personal contact details.
Now, how would these username things work? Going by what little has been seen so far, WhatsApp seems to be giving quite a thought about making the whole system secure and consistent. Here is the rundown of what to expect in picking a unique handle:
- Not a Web Address: Your username can't start with "www" nor look like a web address with ".com" or ".net" tagged at the end.
- Just Keep it Clean and Simple: You must have at least one letter. Lowercase letters (a-z), numbers (0-9), periods (.), and underscores (_) only is a nice way of making it tidy and predictable.
- Dot and Underscore Placement: Speaking of periods and underscores, they can't be the first or last character in your username. Also, no stringing multiple colons together.
- Length Counts (Sort of): Usernames will be anywhere from 3 to 30 characters in length. Of course, WhatsApp might change this according to how users react down the line.
Clearly, privacy drives the issues, and WhatsApp seems to be doing more to block any user abuses:
- One Username Commands All (Per Person): There will be total uniqueness of usernames; no two persons will be able to use the same handle. This becomes a must-have in the fight against fake accounts and id confusion.
- No Sneaky Look-Alikes: WhatsApp will not permit characters that appear to be similar but, by definition, would be different (e.g., "john" versus "j0hn"). This helps shut down impersonation attempts.
If you nail down the right username according to the rules, the app would verity it and tie it to your account. The cherry on the cake: if you choose a username, someone will not see your phone number unless they have you saved in their contacts. In new private chats or group conversations, only your selected username will show.
This is one significant step toward a more private experience in messaging, and in one of the many popular platforms in the world. Let's just keep a lookout for when this feature would be extended to the rest of the users.
