New Delhi, June 29 -- WhatsApp users will soon get the option of going by usernames instead of phone numbers, Kunal Shah said on Monday, announcing plans to address a privacy blind spot.

"Timing is everything. Joined WhatsApp early enough to claim my username before we release this to the world. Time to get yours. A more private way to connect. Coming soon to your WhatsApp." the WhatsApp global head tweeted.

The app said it has started allowing users to reserve unique usernames, which can be used to contact WhatsApp users when the feature is launched later this year.

WhatsApp, which says it has more than 3 billion users globally, has until now allowed users to be contacted by anyone who has their phone number.

The app, owned by Meta P...