WhatsApp’s New Updates: Adding Friends Without Phone Numbers and Cross-Platform Messaging
New Features for Adding Friends Without Phone Numbers
WhatsApp has introduced a groundbreaking feature allowing users to add friends using usernames instead of phone numbers. This marks a shift from WhatsApp’s traditional requirement of phone numbers for connecting with contacts. Users now also have the option to add friends via QR codes.
Cross-Platform Messaging
Another major update is cross-platform messaging, enabling users to receive messages from other apps like Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, and iMessage. However, this option is restricted to users in the European Union (EU) due to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which mandates interoperability between major platforms. Users who prefer to keep messages on WhatsApp only can choose to disable this feature.
EU-Only Availability and the UK’s Exemption
This cross-platform messaging is available exclusively in the EU, where the DMA regulations compel apps to allow messaging interoperability. Users in the UK will have access to the username feature but are exempt from cross-platform messaging due to different regulations.
Security Concerns and Privacy Implications
While WhatsApp remains committed to its end-to-end encryption for user conversations, the addition of cross-platform compatibility raises questions about data security. Third-party messaging platforms may not provide the same level of encryption, making messages potentially vulnerable to breaches. WhatsApp’s Director of Engineering, Dick Brewer, explained the balance between maintaining WhatsApp’s privacy standards while enabling compatibility with other apps, though this is still under review.
Finally
WhatsApp’s latest updates are anticipated to enhance user experience significantly, allowing more flexibility in adding contacts and connecting across multiple platforms. These updates are expected to roll out in coming weeks, expanding the app’s versatility while maintaining a commitment to security for its global users.
