You don’t have to share your phone number with strangers on Signal anymore. Amidst high user anticipation, the messaging app is rolling out a game-changing addition: public usernames. This new feature, aimed at elevating user anonymity and simplifying connections, eliminates the necessity of sharing phone numbers or full names.
The move isn’t just about releasing a new feature; it’s a direct response to the growing need for a more secure online experience. Signal’s username test reflects its commitment to meet evolving user expectations while staying true to its privacy and security principles.
Signal unveils username testing
Signal’s introduction of public usernames represents a significant shift in its approach towards user identification and communication within the app. This move aims to offer an alternative to the current reliance on phone numbers and full names, providing users with an additional layer of anonymity and privacy.
The public username testing in Signal involves the implementation of unique, user-selected identifiers that can be used to connect and communicate with others. These usernames are distinct from phone numbers and provide a level of separation between a user’s personal information and their communication within the app.
During the testing phase, users are encouraged to install and run a specific build of the app provided through a dedicated testing environment. Upon registration with a phone number (which can be the same as the one used in the regular production version), users can explore and test the new functionality associated with usernames in their Signal profiles and privacy settings.
The testing protocol involves several key aspects:
- Creating and managing usernames: Users can create and modify usernames, exploring the options available in the settings to personalize and manage these identifiers.
- Sharing and connecting via usernames: Testing involves sharing username links and inviting others to groups using usernames or phone numbers, emphasizing the interoperability of these identifiers.
- Issue identification and reporting: Users are encouraged to actively test and report any crashes or issues encountered while using the username feature. Debug logs are crucial in identifying potential problems, especially as these early builds are designed to proactively crash upon detecting underlying issues.
- Frequent updates and changes: The testing environment is dynamic, with the Signal team intending to update the builds regularly, reflecting the continuous development and refinement of the username feature.
So, how hide your phone number? After completing the registration process and launching the app, head to the “Settings” menu, then proceed to “Profile and Settings,” followed by “Privacy” and “Phone Number.” Here, you can delve into the fresh features incorporated in these versions.
While this testing phase is an exciting step towards integrating usernames within Signal, the environment, known as Staging, comes with certain caveats. Users are forewarned about the lack of uptime guarantees and potential issues with push notifications. This instability is part and parcel of testing new features in a controlled environment and helps the team refine the functionality before a broader release.
The primary goal of this testing is to proactively detect and address any technical or user experience issues before the feature is rolled out to the broader Signal user base. It provides a crucial opportunity for both the Signal team and volunteers involved in testing to collaborate, refine, and ensure the robustness and usability of the username feature.
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