WhatsApp is setting the stage for a major overhaul in how users manage and store contacts directly within the app, bringing enhanced convenience and security. This innovative feature not only makes managing contacts simpler but also introduces the exciting prospect of username integration, adding an extra layer of privacy.
Seamless Contact Storage and Sync Across Devices
WhatsApp has traditionally relied on the user’s phone contact book for syncing contacts. However, with the latest update, the app will allow the saving of contacts directly in its cloud storage. This functionality ensures that even if you switch phones or link a new device, your contacts will be readily accessible across any platform using WhatsApp, including its web and Windows versions.
This change is particularly beneficial for those who use their devices interchangeably for personal and business purposes or share a device with others. By linking contact storage to individual WhatsApp accounts, users can maintain separate lists for different purposes without overlap.
Advanced Security with IPLS Technology
To support this new feature, WhatsApp has developed a unique encrypted storage system named Identity Proof Linked Storage (IPLS). Each time a contact is saved, an encryption key is generated on the user’s device, enhancing security. The retrieval of contacts is authenticated by confirming the identity of the primary device, ensuring that the data remains secure and private.
In collaboration with Cloudflare, WhatsApp has also taken steps to secure the integrity of contact data by signing any changes to the cryptographic properties of a user’s directory. This partnership aims to prevent unauthorized modifications, providing users with peace of mind about the security of their contact information stored on WhatsApp.
Introducing Usernames: A Leap Towards Enhanced Privacy
In a significant move towards enhancing user privacy, WhatsApp is also working on introducing usernames within the app. This feature, anticipated by users and reported by WABetaInfo in May 2023, will allow individuals to communicate without having to share their phone numbers. Echoing the privacy features of its competitors, Signal and Telegram, WhatsApp aims to provide users with the option to use usernames for interactions, thus adding an additional layer of privacy.
“The introduction of usernames on WhatsApp will add an extra degree of privacy so that you don’t need to share your phone number when messaging someone,” said WhatsApp in a recent blog post. This approach not only simplifies the user experience but also enhances security and privacy, making it a significant update for the widely used messaging platform.
WhatsApp’s latest updates are poised to transform how users interact with the app, making it more secure, convenient, and privacy-focused. By allowing users to manage their contacts through encrypted storage and introducing usernames, WhatsApp is setting a new standard in the digital communication space. These updates are expected to roll out soon, marking another milestone in WhatsApp’s commitment to enhancing user experience and security.
