WhatsApp has introduced a significant update to how it manages contacts, addressing several common challenges.
Previously, contacts were tied to the phone where the app was installed, which could lead to issues if a phone was lost or contacts weren’t backed up. This setup also posed difficulties for users who shared a phone or managed multiple accounts with different contact lists on the same device.
To resolve these problems, WhatsApp has now introduced a built-in contact manager. This new feature allows users to save their contacts directly within the app, assuring that they remain secure and easily accessible, even when switching devices.
The first phase of this update enables users to save contacts on WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp Desktop for Windows. Over time, Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, plans to expand this feature to other linked devices, making contact management more seamless.
WhatsApp is also enforcing a new privacy-focused technology called Identity Proof Linked Storage (IPLS) for securely storing contacts. IPLS encrypts all stored contact details, such as names and phone numbers, ensuring that only the user can access them.
This new feature will allow users to create an account without the need to link it to a phone number. By offering a username-based login, it will provide users with even more privacy and control over how they use the app, further improving the user experience.