End-to-end encrypted messaging app Signal finally allows users to pick custom usernames to connect with others while protecting their phone number privacy.
This is part of a beta rollout that follows a public test phase in a staging environment separate from the stable Signal messaging service announced in November.
After installing the client beta version on their computer or mobile device, users can create a username that can be used to contact them in Settings > Profile.
Because Apple caps the total number of iOS beta testers, Signal has already reached that limit for this beta test phase, but you can get around this by signing up for the macOS Desktop beta if you're an iOS Signal user.
Once you've set up your new username, you no longer have to disclose your phone number, and you will also be able to share a unique link or QR code with people you want to start a quick chat with.
Usernames are not displayed on your Signal profile, and they can be changed as often as needed or even removed altogether if you no longer want to use one.
While contacts with your number saved will still be able to see it, your number won't be visible to anyone else if you don't want to share it.
Signal President Meredith Whittaker first mentioned in November 2022 that Signal was working on rolling out username support that would allow using the encrypted messaging service without having to disclose phone numbers linked to accounts.
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This Cyber News was published on www.bleepingcomputer.com. Publication date: Tue, 20 Feb 2024 19:15:26 +0000