WhatsApp, India’s most used instant-messaging app, has introduced a new privacy feature to tackle the spam issues faced by many users on the platform. The app has introduced a Username PIN system in its latest beta release that will improve users account security and curb the unwanted messages.
The new feature is being rolled out via the beta version 2.24.18.2 for Android. With the new feature, the users will be able to set a four-digit PIN along with their username. This PIN will act as an added security and will ensure that you are free from getting annoyed by spam messages. With the new feature, anyone who wants to chat with you for the first time will not be able to send messages if they don’t have the four-Digit PIN along with your username.
The PIN serves as an extra layer of security, ensuring that users who have not interacted with you previously cannot send you messages solely by knowing your username.
This measure is expected to significantly reduce spam and enhance privacy for WhatsApp users, according to GSM Arena.
“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.
The PIN feature will require anyone who wishes to message you for the first time to know both your username and the PIN you have set. However, the new Username PIN will not affect your conversation with existing contacts on WhatsApp. The transition to using usernames will be seamless for these existing connections, allowing current chats to proceed as usual.
The feature is being tested in the beta version. After successful testing, the feature will likely be released officialy for all users.
Given WhatsApp’s typical development cycle, it may be some time before the username and PIN features are available to the general public, with a launch potentially not occurring before the end of the year, according to GSM Arena.
As WhatsApp continues to refine this feature, users are encouraged to stay updated on the progress through future beta releases.
The introduction of the Username PIN marks a proactive step by WhatsApp in addressing privacy concerns and improving the overall user experience on the platform.