📱 WhatsApp to Roll Out Username Feature for Phone-Numberless Chatting

Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp has announced a global rollout of a major privacy feature allowing users to connect and chat using unique usernames instead of swapping phone numbers. • Implementation Timeline: The feature began rolling out on Monday (June 29), with users now able to reserve their custom usernames via the app. A full global rollout across its 3 billion account holders will take place over the next few months. • Privacy & Controls: While username adoption is completely optional, users will have the flexibility to change or remove their usernames at any time. Standard security features, including blocking and reporting unwanted messages, will remain fully functional. • Technical Specifications: Usernames will be capped at a maximum of 35 characters. To prevent impersonation, WhatsApp will restrict the registration of high-profile official and celebrity names.