Meta owned WhatsApp is working on a new significant privacy feature to combat spam issues. A new feature is available in beta version 2.24.18.2 for Android. This feature will allow users to replace their phone number with a username. WhatsApp's new functionality also introduces a username PIN system, expected to be a 4-digit PIN.
WhatsApp 4-digit PIN: ensure that unknown users will not be able to message you who have not interacted with you earlier. They not only need to have your username, but they also need to have your “Username PIN” to text you.
"Once implemented, this feature should greatly cut down on spam, which has been a prevalent issue on WhatsApp," said a spokesperson for the company, according to GSM Arena.
WhatsApp's new feature will not affect the users who interact with you frequently; they just need your username and a 4-digit PIN to text. This transition will be seamless for existing connections.
WhatsApp will offer its users three new privacy feature settings:
· Username
· Phone number
· User with PIN
However, the date of release for Android and iOS users is still not confirmed, but it is unlikely to be introduced to the public by the end of this year.
Reports from WABetaInfo indicate that WhatsApp is testing the “like” reaction feature, which is expected to let users show their appreciation for status similar to Instagram’s story likes.
WhatsApp is also expected to come out with a “chat theme” feature that will allow users to change the chat bubble colour. WhatsApp is also planning to introduce an Airdrop-like feature for Android users to share any type of file or document without an internet connection.