WhatsApp to let users chat without numbers

Whatsapp is set to let people chat without having to reveal their phone number – by exchanging unique usernames instead.

This will be rolled out globally to the platform’s three billion account holders over the next few months, the platform says.

From this week, users will start being able to reserve a name via the app, although it will not be compulsory.

The firm says people would be able to remove or change their usernames at any time.

Once it is fully activated, Whats­App users will be able to connect after exchanging usernames only.