Tag

Usernames

All articles tagged with #usernames

technology19 days ago•8 min saved

WhatsApp Introduces Reserved Usernames for Privacy-Focused Messaging

WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that lets users reserve usernames (3–35 characters) to message others without revealing phone numbers. Access is staged, with a notification when you can reserve, and you can set a username in Settings > Account > Username. If you have an Instagram or Facebook username, you can claim the same on WhatsApp. There is no username directory or discovery, and messages to a username require knowing the exact handle, with an optional username key for extra spam protection. The rollout will occur gradually over the coming months, and a username-enabled account won't reveal a phone number to first-time contacts.

via MacRumors|

#messaging #privacy #social-media-integration

technology19 days ago•2 min saved

WhatsApp Introduces Global Username Reservations to Keep Numbers Private

WhatsApp has begun rolling out global reservations for usernames to hide users’ phone numbers and let contact be initiated via a chosen username. Users can reserve a unique username in Settings > Account > Username and may enable a username key for extra protection, which requires knowing the key to contact someone for the first time. A username generator will help pick one, and creators can claim existing Instagram or Facebook usernames on WhatsApp. The feature emphasizes privacy with no public directory or suggestions and will roll out gradually over coming months, with notifications when it’s available in your country.

via The Hacker News|

#phone-numbers #privacy #security

technology19 days ago•3 min saved

WhatsApp Opens Username Reservations to Protect Your Number

WhatsApp announced it will begin reserving unique usernames, allowing users to be contacted by a handle rather than revealing their phone numbers. The feature is optional and includes a claims system for creators, small businesses, and organizations to reuse existing usernames from Instagram or Facebook. There will be no public directory or recommendation system, and users can opt to add an optional username key for extra protection on first contact. Reservations are rolling out now, with actual usernames becoming available gradually over the coming months and in-app notifications when a username is available in a user’s country.

via 9to5Mac|

#messaging #privacy #reservations

technology19 days ago•5 min saved

WhatsApp Introduces Optional Usernames to Hide Phone Numbers

WhatsApp is adding optional usernames to let people connect without sharing phone numbers; reservations open this week with an in-app notification to set a username or port over your Instagram/Facebook name, plus a four-digit key for extra security. High-profile names are protected from being claimed, and existing Facebook/Instagram handles get priority during the RSVP window before a wider launch.

via WIRED|

#messaging #privacy #reservations

tech19 days ago•30 min saved

WhatsApp lets you reserve a username to keep your number private

WhatsApp will introduce a username system that lets you reserve unique handles so people can message you without knowing your phone number. You can claim a username now via Settings > Account > Username (existing Instagram or Facebook handles can be used to deter impersonation). High-profile names are reserved to prevent abuse, and you can’t browse by username—you must know the exact handle to contact someone. The rollout will happen later this year, and an optional username key will let you control who can message you.

via The Verge|

#handles #impersonation #privacy

technology1 year ago•2 min saved

WhatsApp Introduces Usernames to Enhance Privacy and Chat Flexibility

WhatsApp is developing a new feature to allow users to create unique usernames, enabling them to hide their phone numbers and enhance privacy. The feature is currently in beta testing and will include options for username customization, security restrictions, and notifications for username changes.

via Mashable|

#beta #features #privacy

technology1 year ago•2 min saved

WhatsApp Launches Username PIN to Enhance Security and Reduce Spam

WhatsApp is developing a new feature that will allow users to set unique usernames, enhancing privacy by enabling contact without sharing phone numbers. The feature is currently in testing and will include rules for username format and updates notifications, with a web version update planned. It is not yet available for testing but appears to be nearing launch.

via 9to5Mac|

#beta #messaging #privacy

technology2 years ago•1 min saved

"Signal Launches Usernames for Private Phone Number Protection"

Signal, the end-to-end encrypted messaging app, is testing a new feature that allows users to create unique usernames to keep their phone numbers private. This feature is opt-in and aims to provide anonymity and privacy by allowing users to initiate conversations without sharing their phone numbers. Users can also control who can see their phone numbers and who can find them by their numbers through privacy settings.

via The Hacker News|

#end-to-end-encryption #messaging-app #privacy

technology2 years ago•1 min saved

"Signal Introduces Usernames for Private Phone Number Protection"

Signal introduces unique usernames to replace phone numbers, allowing users to share their username instead of their number. The usernames must end with two or more numbers as an anti-spoofing measure and can be changed or deleted at will. This update enhances privacy by making phone numbers invisible to others by default and requiring an exact username to find a user. However, users should be cautious of potential abuse by spammers and scammers.

via Engadget|

#anti-spoofing #messaging #privacy

technology2 years ago•2 min saved

"Signal Introduces Usernames for Private Phone Number Sharing"

Signal is introducing support for usernames on its encrypted messaging service, allowing users to connect with others without sharing their phone numbers. The feature, currently in beta, lets users create a unique username that can be shared via QR code or link. Additionally, the app is rolling out security features such as the ability to restrict who can find you using your phone number and hiding phone numbers by default. While this move enhances privacy, there are concerns about potential abuse, prompting Signal to advise users to verify contacts through safety numbers and display banners for group chats with similar names.

via The Verge|

#messaging #privacy #security

technology2 years ago•3 min saved

"Signal Introduces Usernames for Private Phone Number Protection"

Signal is introducing usernames, allowing users to keep their phone numbers private when chatting on the app. Usernames are not searchable and function as a way to connect without sharing phone numbers. Users can create, change, or delete usernames, and a new privacy setting lets them control who can find them by phone number. This move enhances security and privacy, closing a potential loophole for hackers to access messages.

via TechCrunch|

#messaging #privacy #security

technology2 years ago•2 min saved

"Signal Introduces Usernames for Private Phone Number Protection"

Signal is rolling out a beta feature that allows users to create custom usernames to connect with others while protecting their phone number privacy. This update, currently available to beta users, enables users to share a unique link or QR code for quick chats without disclosing their phone number. Additionally, a new privacy setting allows users to require others to use their username instead of their phone number to connect on Signal. This move aligns with Signal's goal of ensuring phone number privacy and follows the announcement made by Signal President Meredith Whittaker in November 2022.

via BleepingComputer|

#encryption #messaging #privacy

technology2 years ago•6 min saved

"Signal Introduces Usernames for Enhanced Privacy Protection"

Signal has launched a beta rollout of new features aimed at enhancing phone number privacy, allowing users to conceal their phone numbers and instead share a username for communication. These changes address persistent criticisms of Signal's design and offer increased privacy protections, including the ability to turn off phone number visibility and discoverability. While the requirement to share a phone number with Signal during registration remains, the new features represent a significant improvement for users seeking more privacy in their digital communications.

via WIRED|

#cybersecurity #encryption #privacy

technology3 years ago•1 min saved

WhatsApp to Introduce Username Feature and Screen Sharing Update

WhatsApp is testing new features including usernames, which allow users to select a unique username attached to their account, and screen sharing, which allows users to share the contents of their screen on video calls. The features are currently in beta testing and conversations started using a username are end-to-end encrypted. Other features being tested include a status archive setting for businesses.

via The Verge|

#beta-testing #end-to-end-encryption #screen-sharing

technology3 years ago•1 min saved

WhatsApp's Upcoming Game-Changing Feature: Usernames and Phone Number-Free Messaging

WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new feature that will allow users to create a username, which will be accessible through the Profile page in the Settings menu. Currently, users can only use their phone numbers to identify themselves and search for others on the app. The addition of usernames could provide an extra layer of privacy and make it easier for users to find each other. However, WhatsApp has not yet confirmed the feature, and it's uncertain whether users will be able to hide their phone numbers and only display their usernames instead.

via Android Central|

#messaging-app #privacy #technology