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WhatsApp Tests Unique Usernames To Hide Phone Numbers
The new feature lets users chat through handles, marking a shift in how Meta manages privacy.
WhatsApp is trialing a username system that lets people message without exposing their phone numbers — a bold move that could reshape privacy on the world’s largest messaging app.
Early versions for Android and iOS show users can set unique handles instead of numbers. WABetaInfo, which tracks WhatsApp updates, says Meta is checking for duplicates before a wider release that’s expected soon. The test appears in Android beta version 2.25.28.12, where users can already “reserve” their chosen names ahead of launch.
The change fits Meta’s push to move away from phone-based identity and tighten control over personal data. Users will be able to start chats or join groups using only a username, keeping their number hidden from strangers and spammers. Reports suggest the platform will also let users display only their handle when joining new groups — a move likely to appeal to businesses and communities managing large public channels.
Reports from several media outlets say group participants may soon appear under usernames only. In addition, an unnamed source familiar with the rollout said the aim is to make “interactions between individuals and businesses safer and more controlled”.
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Registration will still require a phone number, but beta testers can already reserve usernames. Each handle must include at least one letter and can use lowercase characters, numbers, periods, or underscores.
For WhatsApp’s two billion users, it’s a clear signal of the platform’s new stance: privacy is being rebuilt around identity, not contact lists. The update also brings the messaging service closer to rivals such as Telegram, which have long supported handle-based communication — underscoring how Meta is adapting its messaging products to modern privacy expectations.
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Lebanon Ministers Meet Visa Over National Digital Payment Platform
Finance and technology ministers say a comparative study and roadmap will follow before any decision on adopting a model.
Lebanon’s finance and technology ministers met representatives from Visa last week to discuss a proposed unified national digital payment platform for government services, according to a readout from the Ministry of Finance.
The meeting brought together Finance Minister Yassin Jaber, Minister of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence Kamal Shehadeh, a Visa delegation, and experts from both ministries. Discussion focused on whether Lebanon could establish a single platform through which citizens and institutions would pay taxes, fees, fines and other official transactions electronically, using mobile phones and other digital channels.
The Visa delegation presented examples from countries that have adopted unified government payment platforms, including the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Estonia and Jordan. According to the readout, the examples were presented as having increased collection rates and expanded financial inclusion.
Talks covered settlement mechanisms, direct transfer to the treasury account, financial reconciliation, risk management, cybersecurity, fees, and an operational model that would involve the private sector. The parties agreed to continue technical and institutional consultations, prepare a comparative study, and develop an implementation roadmap before any decision on adopting a model for Lebanon.
Jaber said the Ministry of Finance had already enabled citizens to pay using credit cards and e-wallets through transfer companies, but described the proposed platform as a further step. He framed the development of electronic payment and collection systems as a priority within the ministry’s modernization plan.
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Shehadeh outlined the citizen-facing concept as a single mobile application through which users could settle obligations to ministries, government institutions and other bodies.
“The idea, in short, is that any citizen downloads an application on their mobile phone, through which they can pay all service obligations for all ministries, government institutions, or those owned by the Lebanese state, and others as well, as the platform is not limited only to state institutions,” he said.
Shehadeh added that the platform would not displace banks and money transfer companies that currently provide collection services to the state, calling it complementary to their work.
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