WhatsApp will implement a major change in the way it saves your contacts.
Now, just save a contact on WhatsApp.
WhatsApp is introducing an integrated contact manager that will allow users to save their contacts directly within the app, preventing the loss of this information when switching phones. Traditionally, WhatsApp has relied on the device's contact list where it is installed, which can be a drawback for those who lose their phone and do not back up their contacts, as well as for those who share devices or manage multiple accounts with different contacts.
Initially, the functionality will be available on WhatsApp Web and Windows, and it is expected to be usable on other linked devices in the future. Contacts saved in WhatsApp utilize a new storage technology that prioritizes privacy, known as Identity Proof Linked Storage (IPLS). This tool ensures that names and numbers are encrypted and can only be accessed by the user.
Additionally, in an official communication, it was mentioned that this new feature will be complemented by a username system, eliminating the need to use phone numbers. This trend toward removing phone numbers has been observed in other end-to-end encrypted messaging apps, such as Signal.
