WhatsApp, despite having end-to-end encryption - an essential step for private chats - has long been on the receiving end of complaints about the fact that users' phone numbers are visible to everyone on the app. This has especially been a concern in large group chats.
A phone number is personal data, according to the GDPR.
Now, WhatsApp has announced that they will be rolling out a feature already present in other messaging apps such as Telegram and Signal - users will now be able to connect via a username.
This is a significant privacy improvement, particularly for group chats, communities and first-time conversations where many people are uncomfortable with sharing their personal number. However, India, where fraud and cybercrimes are a major issue - has asked WhatsApp to pause the rolling out of this feature in India.
Indian authorities argue that usernames may allow scammers to contact victims anonymously, making it harder to identify them. WhatsApp responded with saying it has built in safeguards, including reserved usernames for public figures, scam detection systems and limits on unsolicited messages.
There is a growing privacy dilemma here:
👉 Features that improve user privacy can also reduce accountability for bad actors. This has particularly been highlighted in the recent privacy debates where the UK is mandating ID verification for children to ban them from social media.
❓ What is your take on this dilemma?
