WhatsApp is launching a new feature that will significantly enhance how users manage their contacts across devices. Previously, WhatsApp relied solely on a user’s phone contact list, but with this new update, contacts can now be stored directly within the app itself. This change aims to simplify contact management and is particularly useful when accessing WhatsApp on multiple devices, such as WhatsApp Web or Windows.
The feature will soon be available to users, ensuring that saved contacts can be accessed across devices without requiring synchronization with the phone’s native contact list. This is particularly beneficial in cases where a phone is lost, or when users switch between personal and professional accounts on a single device.
New Identity Proof Linked Storage (IPLS) System
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At the core of this update is WhatsApp’s introduction of Identity Proof Linked Storage (IPLS), an encrypted system designed to protect user data. IPLS secures saved contacts with a unique encryption key, linking contacts directly to a specific WhatsApp account. This advanced security measure ensures that user data is shielded from unauthorized access, adding an extra layer of privacy.
Additionally, WhatsApp has partnered with Cloudflare to safeguard the cryptographic integrity of the contact list. This collaboration guarantees that saved contacts remain tamper-proof, preventing any unauthorized modifications or breaches.
Separation of Personal and Professional Contacts
This update is also expected to streamline contact management for users who manage both personal and professional WhatsApp accounts on a single device. By storing contacts within the app, users can easily maintain separate contact lists for each account, reducing the complexities of managing work and personal communications.
Future Update: Usernames for Enhanced Privacy
Looking ahead, WhatsApp plans to introduce usernames, a new feature aimed at enhancing privacy. With usernames, users will be able to share contact information without revealing their phone numbers, minimizing the risk of spam or unsolicited messages. This will offer users a higher level of anonymity, a feature already present on competitor platforms like Signal and Telegram.
The introduction of usernames is expected to be a valuable privacy tool, particularly for those who wish to interact with others without exposing personal contact details.
A More Secure and Convenient Experience
With the addition of contact storage and encrypted systems like IPLS, WhatsApp continues to evolve, offering users a more secure, flexible, and convenient way to manage their contacts. The planned introduction of usernames further reinforces WhatsApp’s commitment to user privacy, keeping the platform competitive in a rapidly changing digital landscape.