Signal, the instant messaging app that focuses on user privacy and security has introduced a new username feature that makes sharing phone numbers a thing of the past. In a blog post, the company said that by default, your phone number will no longer be visible to everyone you chat with. However, people who have your number saved will still be able to see it. While your signal profile name and photo will be visible in group and individual chats, people who don't have your phone number saved won't be able to see it. The company says existing users will now be able to create a unique username that they can share with others instead of sharing their phone number, but you will still need a phone number to sign up for Signal. Signal says that the username is not a permanent handle and won't be visible to the people you are chatting with. Another thing to note here is that your username is not the same as your profile name that is displayed in chats but instead offers a quick way to initiate a conversation with someone without having to share your phone number. In case you don't like the new default behaviour and want everyone on the platform to see your phone number when messaging them, head over to Settings> Privacy > Phone Number > Who can see my number. Here, you will be able to select if you want to make your number visible to 'Everyone' or 'Nobody'. While the first option makes your number visible to everyone, setting it to 'Nobody' will hide it from everyone who hasn't saved your number. The latest update also introduced another optional privacy-focused feature that lets users hide their phone numbers from others. Once enabled, others using Signal won't be able to see if you have an account or start a conversation even unless they have your username. To hide your phone number on the platform, go to Settings > Privacy > Phone Number > Who can find me by my number and set it to 'Nobody'. The aforementioned features are currently available as beta, but the company says they will be rolling out to everyone in the coming weeks. Similar to WhatsApp and Telegram, Signal introduced the ability to post Stories on the platform in November last year.
