WhatsApp allows users to add friends by username in major update

WhatsApp is introducing significant changes, allowing users to add friends using usernames instead of just phone numbers. This marks a shift from the previous method, which relied solely on phone numbers or QR codes. Additionally, users in the European Union will be able to receive messages from other apps like Facebook and Instagram. However, this feature will not be available in the UK due to different laws. The cross-platform messaging feature is still in beta testing and has raised concerns about how it will work with WhatsApp's encryption. The company is working to balance interoperability with user privacy and security.