WhatsApp's big move: Chat & call anonymously, no number needed

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): There's great news for the millions of users of WhatsApp, the world's most popular messaging app. If you're concerned about your privacy and don't want to share your personal mobile number with strangers, this worry is about to end forever. According to recent reports, WhatsApp will soon launch a unique feature called "Username" and "Unique ID" on its platform, which will completely transform users' chatting experience.

This is how it will be discussed without sharing the number

With the introduction of this new and much-awaited feature, WhatsApp users will be able to easily message, voice call or video call any other user without revealing their phone number. Reports claim that the Meta-owned company may roll out this amazing feature globally by June 2026. Under this, both ordinary users and those running business accounts will be able to set a unique name or 'handle', just like other social media platforms (like Instagram or X). The company has also issued a statement confirming that they are very excited to soon introduce the username feature, which will allow people to connect with new friends and businesses in a secure manner without sharing their number.

The feature will be optional, at the discretion of the users

This feature, being introduced with privacy in mind, is expected to be completely optional. This simply means that if a user doesn't want to use this new feature, they can continue using WhatsApp through their mobile number as before. Experts believe that WhatsApp has taken this step to prevent its users from switching to rival platforms like Telegram or Signal in the name of privacy.

Rules will also change for business accounts

In addition to regular users, WhatsApp is also preparing some major changes for business accounts. According to reports, the company is considering a dynamic pricing model for businesses. Under this new system, companies will be able to bid in real time to send marketing messages to their customers. Trials of this new system are likely to begin in the second half of 2026, and could be fully implemented by 2027.

WhatsApp continues to shine in India

It's worth noting that with over 500 million users, India is one of WhatsApp's largest and most significant markets globally. A joint report by Meta and the Retailers Association of India (RAI) released in February stated that social media directly influences 77 percent of purchasing decisions in India. According to this report's startling statistics, 72 percent of customers learn about new products solely through messaging platforms like WhatsApp, demonstrating its strong presence in the e-commerce and retail markets.