/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24016885/STK093_Google_04.jpg)
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24808816/Starfield__The_Settled_Systems___Supra_Et_Ultra_____Starfield__The_Settled_Systems___Supra_Et_Ultra_2023_7_25_94252.263_1440p_streamshot.png)
WhatsApp Community is increasing security for users as it offers a way for people to hide their phone numbers from others.
Generally, the names of participants in community chats are hidden from each other. Administrators are the exception, of course, because they know everyone’s names. But, as WABetaInfo points out, if you happen to respond to a message in a community announcement group, your phone number suddenly becomes publicly viewable, losing your anonymity. With the aptly named phone number privacy feature, that’s no longer a problem as you’ll be able to hide your contact information from the public eye.
Images from the initial report show that there will be a new phone number privacy option in the community announced group info menu. Tapping on the entry pops up a warning informing you that even though you’re about to hide your details, there will still be some people who can see your number. Community admins will remain one of the exceptions in addition to “people who have saved you as a contact (and) have your number in … other chats”. Also, if you need to contact someone whose number is hidden, you can send them a request to share their contact details with you.
Keep in mind that only community members have access to this tool. If you’ve created the community or are an admin, WhatsApp won’t allow you to hide your phone number.
availability
You can try out phone number privacy yourself by installing the latest WhatsApp beta for Android from the Google Play Store or the WhatsApp beta for iOS from the Apple App Store – assuming you already have access, as Apple’s TestFlight for WhatsApp The program is no longer accepting new visitors. Unless you’re one of the few people who got in before the doors closed, iPhone users are out of luck. However, it will be easier for Android owners thanks to Google’s beta program Play Store is still accepting newcomers,
WABetaInfo says that the beta is being released in waves, so it’s likely that Phone Number Privacy won’t be available on your device immediately after installation. Be sure to keep an eye out for the beta once it hits your smartphone. It is unknown when this feature will officially launch. Given that it’s already in beta, phone number privacy should emerge very soon.
We should mention WABetaInfo claims that the update will be “extended to other groups” on WhatsApp. Exactly which, again, is unknown. It would be nice to see the same feature appear in smaller WhatsApp groups for the added convenience of anonymity.
Must check till we get official notification TechRadar’s list of the best privacy tools for 2023 Learn more how you can increase your safety online.
