The new feature will enable users to make voice and video calls without having to share their personal phone numbers with the other party.

According to technical sources, this feature, which is still in the testing phase, aims to give users greater control over their personal data, especially in light of increasing concerns related to digital privacy.

Reports indicate that WhatsApp may rely in implementing this function on temporary virtual numbers generated internally within the application for each call or contact, invitation links or QR codes sent via chat that allow starting a call without exchanging numbers, and a communication interface within the application similar to that used in social media platforms, where it is possible to contact a party without revealing the full digital identity.

The users who are keen on privacy will be the ones who benefit from the new feature, and who are reluctant to share their numbers with new acquaintances, as well as business owners and freelancers who need to communicate with clients without using their personal numbers, and influencers and users of social media platforms, who interact with a wide audience but want to maintain digital security boundaries.

The “calls without a number” feature is expected to be gradually rolled out to users over the coming weeks, as part of WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to balance ease of communication with digital identity protection.

When it is officially launched, it will constitute a qualitative shift in how users interact with each other without having to sacrifice their privacy.

What is known as the “username key” will also be available, which is an optional code that gives users additional control over who can communicate with them, so that the call can only be made by those who have this key or who already have an active conversation.

Source: RT