United Kingdom, June 30 -- WhatsApp is rolling out usernames that will allow people to chat without revealing their phone numbers, as the Meta-owned messaging platform introduces one of its biggest privacy updates to date.

The feature will be introduced globally over the coming months for the app's three billion users, with people able to begin reserving usernames from Monday (29.06.26).

Using a username will be optional, and users will be free to change or remove it at any time.

Once the rollout is complete, people will be able to connect simply by exchanging usernames instead of phone numbers, while existing options to block or report unwanted contacts will remain in place.

Usernames will be limited to 35 characters, although some n...