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WhatsApp has announced an exciting new feature that enables users to save contacts directly within the app. This enhancement means that even if you lose your phone or connect a new device to your primary number, all your contacts will remain accessible through WhatsApp’s cloud storage.
Previously, WhatsApp relied on the contact list stored on users' phones. If someone messaged you for the first time and you wanted to save their information, it would only be saved locally on your device. With the upcoming feature, which is set to roll out soon, users will be able to store contacts across any device, including WhatsApp for the web and Windows. Additionally, you can choose to sync contacts saved in WhatsApp back to your phone.
This feature builds on last year's introduction that allowed users to log into two WhatsApp accounts on a single device. It’s particularly useful for those who wish to keep personal and business contacts separate. Furthermore, if you share your device with others, you can maintain a unique contact list linked to your number.
To ensure secure contact storage, WhatsApp has developed a new encrypted system called Identity Proof Linked Storage (IPLS). When a user saves a contact, an encryption key is generated on the device, and retrieval is based on authenticating the primary device identity.
In partnership with Cloudflare, WhatsApp will also sign any changes made to the cryptographic properties of a user's directory. According to Meta, this measure guarantees that no unauthorized edits have been made to the saved contacts.
Moreover, WhatsApp plans to introduce usernames as an additional privacy feature. This will allow users to message others without sharing their phone numbers. The company noted in a blog post that this feature has been in development for some time, with reports dating back to May 2023 indicating ongoing work on introducing usernames. Competing messaging apps like Signal and Telegram already offer similar functionalities.
Stay tuned for more updates as this feature rolls out!