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India's most used instant messaging app WhatsApp has introduced a new privacy feature to tackle spam issues faced by many users on the platform. The app has introduced the username PIN system in its latest beta release which will improve the security of users' accounts and curb unwanted messages.

This new feature is being rolled out through beta version 2.24.18.2 for Android. With the new feature, users will be able to set a four-digit PIN with their username. This PIN will act as an additional security and ensure that you are not bothered by spam messages. With the new feature, anyone who wants to chat with you for the first time will not be able to send a message unless they have a four-digit PIN with your username.

The PIN acts as an additional layer of security, ensuring that users who have not previously interacted with you will not be able to send you messages just by knowing your username.

According to GSM Arena, this measure is expected to significantly reduce spam and enhance privacy for WhatsApp users.

According to GSM Arena, a company spokesperson said, "Once implemented, this feature will significantly reduce spam, which has been a prevalent problem on WhatsApp."

For the PIN feature, anyone who wants to send you a message for the first time will need to know both your username and the PIN you have set. However, the new username PIN will not affect your conversations with existing contacts on WhatsApp. The transition to using the username will be seamless for these existing connections, allowing current chats to continue as normal.

This feature is being tested in the beta version. After successful testing, the feature will likely be officially released for all users.

According to GSM Arena, given WhatsApp's usual development cycle, it may take some time for the username and PIN features to become available to the general public, possibly not launching before the end of the year.

As WhatsApp continues to refine this feature, users are encouraged to stay updated on progress through future beta releases.

The introduction of the username PIN is a proactive step by WhatsApp towards addressing privacy concerns and improving the overall user experience on the platform.