Signal, an encrypted messaging software that competes with WhatsApp, is testing public account usernames in an effort to remove the need that users provide their phone numbers in order to use the service. To connect, new Signal users now need to give out their phone numbers to other people.
Jim O’Leary, the vice president of engineering at Signal, posted on microblogging site X, formerly known as Twitter, saying, “Signal is testing username feature.” In other words, you wouldn’t have to provide your phone number to anybody you wanted to get in touch with. It will be possible for you to keep your phone number secret and not divulge it.
Even while users must still provide a phone number when setting up their account, the new way makes communication even more private and safe by not sharing the information with other users.
After installing the latest release, Signal users may connect with people without providing their phone number by sharing their usernames via links or QR codes. In the app’s Settings, under Privacy > Phone number > Who may locate my number, users can also turn off phone number discovery.
“Signal has been developing usernames since at least 2019, but the release date for the feature is unknown. According to MacRumors, using the pre-beta release on desktop and iOS today involves some technical know-how related to code compilation. More information about this may be found in the Signal forums.
WhatsApp, a competitor of Signal, is also testing a comparable functionality at the moment. Users will be able to set up usernames for their accounts rather than cell numbers thanks to the new functionality.
The settings menu located beneath the profile area will provide users with access to the new functionality. Users will now have the opportunity to choose a handle that best reflects their tastes thanks to the addition of the username function. It is anticipated that the new function would help improve user privacy and security.