To fortify user privacy, Signal, a popular encrypted messaging platform, has finally launched the username feature that the company has been testing since November 2023, alongwith other improvements such as enhanced default settings and privacy controls.
With the username feature, users can connect without sharing their phone numbers. Users can generate a QR code or unique URL associated with their username, simplifying connecting with others. Each username is unique, requiring at least two numbers at the end to prevent impersonation and maintain security.
Signal also ensures that the usernames are stored in plaintext to guarantee further that the platform cannot easily access or produce the usernames associated with specific accounts. Moreover, users can change their usernames whenever they want, and the platform will reset the username. Users have to navigate to Settings > Profile to set the usernames.
“Since Signal does not provide a searchable directory of usernames, only people who have your exact unique username will be able to start a conversation with you. And you can share it with as few or as many people as you want,” said Signal.
Another significant change done by Signal involves modifying the default visibility of users’ phone numbers. Going forward, a user’s phone number will no longer be visible to everyone on Signal by default. This alternation ensures that individuals with a user’s phone number saved in their device’s contacts can still view it, but those without will be spared access.
However, the platform has provided an option allowing users to reveal their phone numbers to everyone on Signal by navigating to Settings > Privacy > Phone Number > Who can see my number and then select Everyone.
The third change that Signal has presented is to restrict others from finding you by searching for your number. Users will have to head to Settings > Privacy > Phone Number > Who can find me by my number and set it to Nobody. In this case, a user must share their unique username with others to communicate.
Currently in beta, these features are expected to roll out to all users in the coming weeks.
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