WhatsApp Introduces Usernames to Protect Privacy
WhatsApp 推出使用者名稱功能以保護隱私
Introduction
WhatsApp has announced the launch of usernames, which will allow users to connect with others without sharing their private phone numbers.
WhatsApp 已宣布推出使用者名稱功能，讓使用者無需分享私人電話號碼即可與他人建立聯繫。
Main Body
The move to a username system is designed to improve user privacy, especially when contacting strangers or joining groups. This change brings WhatsApp in line with other apps like Signal and Telegram. To avoid duplicate names among its three billion users, the platform has started a reservation period. Users can choose a handle between 3 and 35 characters in their settings. Furthermore, businesses and creators can use their existing names from Facebook or Instagram to keep their branding consistent.
轉向使用者名稱系統旨在提高使用者隱私，尤其是在聯繫陌生人或加入群組時。這項變動使 WhatsApp 與 Signal 和 Telegram 等應用程式保持一致。為了避免三十億使用者之間出現重複名稱，平台已開始預留期。使用者可以在設定中選擇 3 到 35 個字元的名稱。此外，企業和創作者可以使用他們在 Facebook 或 Instagram 的現有名稱，以保持品牌一致性。
To prevent fraud, WhatsApp has already reserved usernames for celebrities and government officials so that others cannot impersonate them. Additionally, there is no public directory, meaning a sender must know the exact username to start a chat. For extra security, users can enable a 'username key' that requires a second verification code. However, it is important to note that while this hides numbers for new contacts, it does not hide your number from people who already have you in their address book.
為了防止詐欺，WhatsApp 已經為名人及政府官員預留了使用者名稱，以免被他人冒充。此外，系統不設公開目錄，這意味著發送者必須知道準確的使用者名稱才能開始對話。為了額外保障安全，使用者可以啟用「使用者名稱金鑰」，該功能需要第二個驗證碼。然而，值得注意的是，雖然此功能可對新聯絡人隱藏號碼，但對於已經將您儲存在通訊錄中的人，號碼依然可見。
Conclusion
This username feature will be released gradually over the next few months and will remain an optional tool for users worldwide.
此使用者名稱功能將在未來幾個月內逐步推出，對全球使用者而言仍是一項可選工具。
Vocabulary Learning
🚀 The 'Logic-Link' Shift
To move from A2 to B2, you must stop using only 'and', 'but', and 'because'. B2 students use Connectors of Sophistication. These words act like bridges, telling the reader how the next idea relates to the previous one.
🧩 The 'Adding' Bridge: Furthermore
In the text, we see: "Furthermore, businesses and creators can use their existing names..."
A2 Style: "Also, businesses can use their names." (Simple addition) B2 Style: "Furthermore..." (This signals that the point is more important or a formal extension of the previous argument).
🛡️ The 'Addition' Bridge: Additionally
Look at: "Additionally, there is no public directory..."
While 'also' is for chatting with friends, 'Additionally' is the professional version. Use this when you are listing benefits or rules in a presentation or email.
⚠️ The 'Contrast' Bridge: However
Check the text: "However, it is important to note..."
The B2 Secret: Instead of starting a sentence with 'But', place 'However' at the start followed by a comma. This creates a 'pause' that makes your speech sound more controlled and academic.
🛠️ Quick Upgrade Table
| A2 Word (Basic) | B2 Alternative (Advanced) | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| And | Furthermore | Sounds more authoritative |
| Also | Additionally | Sounds more organized |
| But | However | Sounds more analytical |