How many times have you been called or messaged via WhatsApp from a hidden number, not knowing who it is? Well, this is precisely what the Meta group’s app aims to address with its new update. Among the measures it is taking to improve the app’s security, WhatsApp plans to include a new tool that allows users to identify the names of those who call or send messages from unknown numbers. Tests have already been carried out for both operating systems, iOS and Android, through which the app will display the name of the user associated with the unknown number. It is another step in the identification system based on ‘Usernames’ that the app intends to implement.
According to Digit, this feature will work for both messages and calls, and Business Standard emphasizes that this new function aims to make it easier to identify contacts in groups without needing to add them to your address book. For its part, Gadgets 360 explains that the display of the name will depend on the privacy settings that each user activates on their account. According to Moneycontrol, implementing usernames would be one of the most significant changes to WhatsApp in recent years. This tool is already available, although it has been approved in beta versions, so it is believed that its implementation is not far off.
Whatsapp’s new feature
WhatsApp, the instant messaging application owned by Meta, has become one of the most widely used worldwide. That is why one of its priorities is to strengthen security within the app, offering users complete trust. Among the security improvement package being implemented is a new tool that could completely change the application. It is a new feature that will allow identifying the names of users who call or send messages from unknown numbers, intended to reduce the risk of receiving communications from unwanted contacts.
It is not yet active, but tests have already been conducted in beta versions for both iOS and Android, through which the name of the user associated with the unknown number will be displayed, even if it is not saved in the device’s contacts. This tool is part of an identification system based on ‘usernames’ that the company has been developing for years.
What does it really consist of?
Several specialized portals have already commented on the matter, explaining details about this new feature. Digit explains that this feature will work for both messages and calls within the app, providing an additional layer of context before deciding whether to respond or block. On the other hand, Business Standard explains that it is a tool that will allow interaction without having to share your phone number. Additionally, it will also be possible to identify contacts in groups or shared chats without needing to add them to your contacts.
Will the user’s name always be visible?
The answer is no. According to Gadgets360, displaying the name will depend on the user’s privacy settings: they can choose to hide their information from everyone except their contacts, apply some type of restriction, or set it to be completely public. Although the expectations for this app are positive, the truth is that it is still in the testing phase and does not have an official release date. However, the fact that it is already available in some beta versions makes experts and users think that a global update won’t take long to arrive.
Username-based system
Moneycontrol has particularly emphasized the move toward a “username”-based system that WhatsApp is adopting. This method is already active in other instant messaging apps like Telegram, where the phone number can be hidden and identification can be done solely with a username. If this system is implemented, it would represent the biggest change to the app in recent years. However, we will have to wait to see where the Meta group is headed, while it continues to focus on other security features such as two-step verification, enhanced privacy controls, and tools to detect suspicious contacts.