WhatsApp Reportedly Working on New Support Feature
This way, you will be able to keep your phone number a bit more private from other people.
Recent report show that WhatsApp is now working on a new security update to act as a sort of defence against unwanted or unknown texters.
This update would have WhatsApp users create a username and a PIN. The username can then be shared with other people as a way to reach you, instead of having to use your phone number.
Think of it as a form of two-factor authentication, but to block random people from texting you.
Louis Eriakha
As an additional safety layer, after a person has gotten access to your username, they would still need to enter a PIN, which you would have previously set, for them to even be allowed to text you.
The meta-owned messaging app will arguably produce two 'safety nets' if they are able to implement this feature properly. First off, there will no longer be a need to just share your phone number with people you are not comfortable with.
And second of all, if someone else shares your username without your permission, it won't really be worth it because there would still be a need for your PIN. It is still unclear how exactly they plan to implement this feature, like if your PIN is still needed if someone were to text you with your phone number and not your username but we can look forward to it soon.
What we know as of now, according to Wabetainfo, is that this feature is still under development and might take a while to be publicly available. Also, this feature will not apply to contacts you already chatted with, but it can be set and then used for new contacts.
Loy Okezie
