Pakistan, June 30 -- WhatsApp has announced a major privacy-focused update that will allow users to connect through unique usernames instead of sharing their phone numbers, marking one of the platform's most significant changes in recent years.

The Meta-owned messaging service said the new feature is designed to give users greater control over their personal information by reducing the need to disclose their phone numbers when communicating with others.

Under the update, users will be able to create a unique username that can be shared with friends, family, businesses and other contacts. The company said phone numbers will no longer be automatically visible in situations such as joining large group chats or messaging a person or busines...