WhatsApp has announced a significant change in how it manages contacts, addressing common challenges users face, such as losing contacts when switching phones or sharing devices. Previously, WhatsApp contacts were limited to those stored on the phone. This could be problematic for users who didn’t have backups or those managing multiple accounts on the same device.
Introducing the Built-in Contact Manager
To solve these issues, WhatsApp is rolling out a built-in contact manager that allows users to save contacts directly within the app. This new feature ensures that contacts are not lost when switching devices, offering a more secure and convenient way to manage contacts.
Initial Rollout
- The first phase of this update involves enabling users to save contacts on WhatsApp Web and Windows apps.
- Eventually, the feature will expand to allow contacts to be saved across other linked devices, making it easier to maintain access to contacts regardless of the device used.
Enhanced Privacy and Security
The contacts saved within WhatsApp will be stored using Identity Proof Linked Storage (IPLS), a new privacy-focused storage technology. Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, assures users that names and numbers will be encrypted, ensuring that only the user has access to them.
Future Updates: Username System
In a future update, WhatsApp plans to introduce a username system that will allow users to operate the app without linking their account to a phone number. This change further separates WhatsApp from phone-based dependency, offering more flexibility and privacy for users.
This overhaul marks a major step forward in enhancing user experience, security, and privacy within WhatsApp
