WhatsApp is set to change how contacts work on its platform. In the past, users had to save a personâs number in their phoneâs contacts to start a chat on the app. This is not very easy and limits how people use WhatsApp on devices like Windows or WhatsApp Web. Soon, this will change as WhatsApp will have its own built-in address book.
WhatsAppâs Own Address Book
The new update will introduce an address book that is fully separate from the phone’s contacts. This means that users will no longer need to save phone numbers to chat with someone. This change is part of WhatsAppâs goal to simplify how people chat on the app while giving them more privacy.
The new tech behind this update is called Identity Proof Linked Storage (IPLS). IPLS helps WhatsApp keep contacts safe within its system. For users with both private and work chats, the app will now allow them to keep these separate more easily. This will be handy for users with more than one WhatsApp account.
One of the most exciting updates is the switch from phone numbers to user names. Soon, users will no longer need to share their numbers to chat on WhatsApp. The app will allow people to connect with others through a user name, making it easier and more private. This is seen as a big win for privacy, as sharing phone numbers can sometimes feel unsafe. While the change is not yet ready to go live, WhatsApp has said it will arrive âsoon,â though no exact date has been given.
New Rules in the EU
The modifications to WhatsAppâs contact system are connected to recent regulations from the European Union. Under the Digital Markets Act, WhatsApp is required to expand its platformâs accessibility to other messaging applications. This will enable users to communicate with individuals on alternative messenger apps without the need to exit WhatsApp. This adjustment stems from WhatsAppâs designation as a âgatekeeper,â a term applied to major platforms that govern how users interact with other services.
However, some competing messaging platforms, such as Signal, have expressed concerns. Their primary apprehension revolves around the potential security vulnerabilities that may arise from integrating their systems with WhatsAppâs infrastructure. They fear that opening up their services to WhatsApp could expose users to privacy risks.
With the implementation of user names and the introduction of its own dedicated address book, WhatsApp aims to streamline contact management while enhancing security. These updates, together with the new EU regulations, are designed to make cross-platform communication more efficient, allowing users to stay connected across various applications without compromising security.
