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News articles, cybersecurity experts, and WhatsApp itself consistently advise:


Be Aware of Usernames (Future Protection): The upcoming username feature will provide a way to connect without revealing your phone number, adding a significant layer of privacy.
In essence, while WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption protects your messages, your phone number itself is a valuable piece of data that, in the wrong hands, can lead to account takeovers, scams, spam, and broader identity theft. Staying informed about the latest scam tactics and using WhatsApp's security features are your best defense.

1. The Core Design Principle (Still True):

One Account = One Phone Number: When panama whatsapp number data you set up WhatsApp, you must register it with a valid, active phone number. This number is your unique identifier on the platform. WhatsApp's Help Center explicitly states: "All WhatsApp accounts are tied to mobile phone numbers."
Automatic Contact Discovery: This design choice was made for simplicity from the beginning. By accessing your phone's address book, WhatsApp can automatically show you which of your contacts are also on WhatsApp, making it very easy to connect without needing to create new usernames or find people manually.
Verification: Whenever you register WhatsApp on a new device or reinstall the app, a verification code is sent to your registered phone number (via SMS or call) to confirm your identity.
2. News About Evolving Identification and Privacy (Changes & Additions):

While the phone number remains the core, recent news highlights that WhatsApp is actively evolving to offer alternatives and more control over how that number is used and seen:

Usernames Are Coming (The Biggest News!): This is a significant shift. News reports (from Business Standard, Exhibit Tech, Mint, etc.) widely confirm that WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that allows users to create unique usernames (e.g yourchosenname).