WhatsApp’s New Feature Rivals Apple’s RCS Messaging

WhatsApp is introducing new privacy-focused features designed to give users more control over their personal information and the longevity of their conversations. The updates include the implementation of usernames and the testing of disappearing text messages.

These developments come as Apple prepares to launch fully encrypted RCS messaging on iPhones. RCS, or Rich Communication Services, is a communication protocol intended to modernize standard texting by adding features like read receipts and high-resolution media sharing.

Username Implementation and Phone Number Privacy

A primary component of the update is the introduction of usernames. This feature allows users to create a unique identifier, removing the requirement to share an actual phone number when adding new contacts or initiating chats.

By eliminating the need to expose personal phone numbers, WhatsApp aims to reduce the risk of personal data exposure during everyday conversations. This functionality mirrors privacy options already available on other messaging platforms such as Telegram and Signal.

Expansion of Disappearing Content

WhatsApp is also diversifying its disappearing message capabilities. While the platform already supports view once photos and videos, as well as messages that auto-delete after a set period, it is now testing a similar mechanism for text.

According to WABetaInfo, the platform is testing a new special button placed next to the chat bar that allows users to send texts that vanish immediately after being opened by the recipient.

As you can imagine, the view once text will disappear from the conversation when the recipient opens it

WABetaInfo

Competitive Landscape and Security Criticisms

The rollout of these features positions WhatsApp to offer privacy layers that are not fully matched by traditional SMS or the upcoming RCS messaging systems. This move is intended to maintain a competitive edge as Google and Apple expand their cross-platform encrypted messaging capabilities.

Despite these additions, WhatsApp has faced criticism regarding its overall security architecture. Figures including Elon Musk and Pavel Durov have questioned the platform’s encryption claims.

The primary concern centers on cloud backups. While WhatsApp enables end-to-end encryption by default for messages in transit, the encryption for backups remains an optional setting for the user.