[REVISION HISTORY]

WhatsApp username rollout and security updates

Updated 30 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-07 11:39 UTC → 2026-09-10 21:05 UTC · added ~~removed~~

WhatsApp username rollout and ~~enhanced~~ security updates

WhatsApp is implementing a new username feature to enhance privacy by allowing communication via unique identifiers instead of personal phone numbers. ~~To prevent random discovery,~~ This shift aims to reduce the ~~platform will not include~~ direct exposure of personal telephone data. For businesses, usernames may assist in maintaining brand consistency and reducing impersonation risks. Javier Lorente, an MBA professor at EAE Business School, noted that usernames could become a ~~search function, requiring users~~ significant business asset, similar to ~~know the exact identifier~~ internet domains, and may allow multiple collaborators to ~~initiate contact.~~ manage corporate channels without using personal lines. To combat ~~rising~~ fraud, WhatsApp is rolling out ‘Scam Alert’ to select beta users on Android. This ~~security~~ feature uses on-device machine learning to identify suspicious message patterns from unknown ~~senders, such as phishing links or urgent financial requests.~~ senders. Because Meta stated that ‘no message content leaves the device for classification,’ the tool preserves end-to-end ~~encryption by analyzing linguistic patterns locally.~~ encryption. When ~~the AI detects patterns associated with known scams, it displays~~ a ~~warning stating, ‘This might be~~ potential scam is detected, users receive a ~~scam.’~~ warning and can choose to remove the alert, block the sender, or report the contact. Security upgrades include transitioning the two-step verification system from a six-digit PIN to a robust alphanumeric ~~password containing letters, numbers, and symbols.~~ password. The platform has also expanded passkey ~~support, allowing users to register multiple biometric-backed passkeys on both~~ support for Android and iOS and ~~utilize~~ introduced passkey-backed end-to-end encrypted chat backups. ~~To prevent permanent loss of access,~~ Additional functionality updates include expanding chat customization, allowing users ~~are encouraged~~ in beta versions to ~~provide an email address for account recovery. Regarding communication flexibility,~~ pin up to four messages at the top of individual or group chats, up from the previous limit of three. WhatsApp is also developing ‘Guest ~~Calls.’ This feature~~ Calls,’ which allows individuals to join voice or video calls via a web browser ~~using a~~ link ~~shared through SMS or email,~~ without ~~needing to download the app or create~~ an ~~account. To maintain privacy, Meta plans to use~~ account, utilizing temporary session identifiers to ~~generate encryption keys, ensuring these calls remain~~ maintain end-to-end ~~encrypted. Hosts will retain control by manually approving guests or removing disruptive participants.~~ encryption.

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