WhatsApp is set to launch a privacy-focused feature that allows community members to hide their phone numbers while participating in group conversations. This new functionality, known as “phone number privacy,” has been in testing and is now reportedly available to all Android and iOS beta testers. With this feature, users can engage in conversations and react to messages without revealing their names or phone numbers to other community members. While the official release date for this feature has not yet been announced by Meta-owned WhatsApp, it is expected to be made available to all users in the near future.
According to WABetainfo, a WhatsApp features tracker, the phone number privacy feature has been rolled out for communities to all Android and iOS beta testers. This update can be accessed through the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.23.14.19 and iOS 23.14.0.70 beta version for iOS. By enabling this feature, users can hide their phone numbers from other community members when joining a group. While the existing community participants list is already concealed in the community announcement group, interacting with messages through reactions would reveal the user’s phone number. However, with the new phone number privacy feature, users can rest assured that their contact information will remain hidden from other participants, even when adding reactions to messages.
To provide users with a glimpse of the phone number privacy feature, WABetainfo included a screenshot showcasing how it will appear once it is widely available. The feature can be accessed through the “Community announcement group info” section. WhatsApp also notifies users that, when enabling this feature, their phone numbers will only be visible to the community admin and members who have already saved their contact information. This new privacy feature specifically applies to community members, as the community admin’s phone number will always be visible. Users will also have the option to selectively share their phone numbers with specific community participants based on their preference.
While WhatsApp has not made an official announcement regarding the rollout of the phone number privacy feature, it is important to note that details may change before the final release. For those interested in testing out this new security feature, the latest version of WhatsApp can be downloaded from Google Play, the Apple Store, and the TestFlight app.
WhatsApp’s introduction of the phone number privacy feature brings enhanced privacy options for community members. By allowing users to hide their phone numbers when joining communities, WhatsApp prioritizes user privacy and offers greater control over personal information. As the feature becomes widely available, users can enjoy engaging in conversations and reacting to messages without compromising their privacy.
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