Popular encrypted messaging app Signal is currently testing a new feature that allows users to communicate with others using usernames instead of phone numbers. The messaging app is letting people try out this new version of the app before it officially launches. They’ve already tested it within their team, and now they want the community’s help to test it even more.
“If you’ve been following along with the commit messages across our repositories, it’s no secret that we’ve been working on bringing Usernames to Signal for a while now. After rounds of internal testing, we have hit the point where we think the community that powers these forums can help us test even further before public launch,” Signal VP of Engineering Jim O’Leary wrote on community forum.
This move aims to further strengthen user privacy and provide more flexibility in contact sharing. Signal until now has solely relied on phone numbers as the primary mode for sign ups. It also asks for phone number to message others on the app. However, this approach comes with its own share of privacy concerns, as phone numbers can be easily linked to personal information. With cyber crime on rise these days, sharing of phone numbers can prove to be harmful for users.
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By using usernames, Signal users can prevent sharing their identities linked with their phone numbers. Username will make it easier to identify others on app without giving out one’s contact number on the platform.
The username feature is currently in beta testing, available to a limited group of users. During this phase, Signal is gathering feedback to refine the feature and ensure a smooth rollout for all users.
Signal has been trying to add username feature to the app since 2019. Signal Foundation President Meredith Whittaker while talking to Time magazine in September 2022 explained the intent of the feature. She said that it will allow people to use app without sharing the phone number.
“So you can give someone your username, and someone can connect with you on Signal via your username without ever knowing your phone number,” she said.
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