WhatsApp will allow users to go by usernames instead of phone numbers, closing a privacy blind spot

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Category: Technology/Innovations

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Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. blind spot / ˈblaɪnd ˌspɒt / (n.) – a subject or area in which a person does not notice or has a weak understanding
    Example:

    His blind spot was not realizing how his actions affected other people.


  2. catchy / ˈkætʃ i / (adj.) – easy to remember and likely to attract people's attention
    Example:

    She came up with a catchy name for her new business.


  3. impersonation / ɪmˌpɜr səˈneɪ ʃən / (n.) – the act of pretending to be another person, usually by copying their appearance, voice, or behavior
    Example:

    The comedian’s impersonation of the famous actor made the audience laugh.


  4. hold back / hoʊld bæk / (phrasal v.) – to not allow something to be seen or known by someone
    Example:

    Government officials want to hold back some information from the public, so they did not tell everything to the media.


  5. entity / ˈɛn tɪ ti / (n.) – something that exists as a separate and independent thing, such as a person, organization, or group
    Example:

    Different government entities are responsible for managing public services.


Article

Read the text below.

WhatsApp users will soon get the option of going by usernames instead of phone numbers, the company said, announcing plans to address a privacy blind spot.


The app said it has started allowing users to reserve unique usernames, which can be used to contact WhatsApp users when the feature is launched later this year. WhatsApp, which says it has more than 3 billion users globally, has until now allowed users to be contacted by anyone who has their phone number.


The app, owned by Meta Platforms, said in a blog post that over the “coming months,” users will get the option to be found and contacted only by their username, and not their number. It wasn’t more specific about the timeline.


“We have designed this as a core privacy feature,” Alice Newton-Rex, WhatsApp’s vice president of product, told reporters.


There won’t be a directory of usernames on the app, and the app won’t suggest names as you type. “People will need to know your exact username to contact you for the first time,” she said.


WhatsApp’s current privacy settings are limited to blocking individual users and silencing unknown callers. The app also allows users to add a profile name, but that’s only displayed in chat groups for other people who don’t have the user’s contact info saved.


While Americans still prefer text messaging to WhatsApp, the app is widely used in Europe, Asia, and much of the rest of the world.


Catchy online handles are highly coveted, and users will likely scramble to claim a desirable one. “I think a lot of people will go and get usernames, and that’s why we decided to open reservations early,” Newton-Rex said.


Companies, organizations, and creators with existing accounts on Meta’s social media platforms, Instagram and Facebook, will get the chance to claim their usernames on WhatsApp.


Usernames need to be between three and 35 characters. To prevent impersonation, WhatsApp will hold back usernames for high-profile people or groups such as celebrities, public figures, and government entities.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • Do you think WhatsApp’s removal of phone numbers and use of usernames will effectively resolve privacy issues? Why or why not? Do you think other messaging apps should also follow this move by WhatsApp? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • What concerns do you have over the privacy of messaging apps? Do you think the messaging apps you’re using right now are secure enough? Why or why not? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • WhatsApp has more than 3 billion users and is widely used around the world. The new username feature may change how people connect with strangers, friends, and businesses. Do you think stronger privacy features make it harder or easier to build new relationships online? Why? Discuss.
  • How should communication apps balance helping people connect with protecting their personal information? Discuss.