Recipient: WhatsApp Team and Meta, WhatsApp Division

Dear WhatsApp Team and Meta,  

WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business are essential platforms for over 2 billion users worldwide, valued for their ease of use and global reach. However, with competitors like Telegram offering advanced privacy features, WhatsApp must elevate its standards to meet user expectations. Currently, users feel vulnerable as their phone numbers are exposed to strangers in group chats, and the intrusive "This message was deleted" notification disrupts conversations. We, the undersigned, urge WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business to implement three critical changes to enhance privacy, security, and user satisfaction:  

1.Add an Option to Hide Phone Numbers:  
   WhatsApp displays every user’s phone number to everyone in group chats, contacts, or even strangers, compromising privacy. Telegram allows users to choose who sees their phone number ("Everybody," "My Contacts," or "Nobody"). We demand that WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business introduce a similar setting, enabling users to decide whether their phone number is visible to all, only their contacts, or no one at all.  

2.Introduce Optional Usernames:  
   Telegram’s username feature (e.g., @Username) allows communication without revealing phone numbers, which is crucial for public groups and business interactions. WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business must offer optional usernames to protect user anonymity and enable secure communication, especially for professional networking and business accounts.  

3.Remove the "This Message Was Deleted" Notification:  
   The "This message was deleted" notification is disruptive, sparks unnecessary curiosity, and hinders the flow of conversations. Telegram deletes messages silently, improving the user experience. We urge WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business to remove this notification or make it optional, allowing deleted messages to vanish without a trace.  

These changes are vital for:  
Privacy: Safeguarding phone numbers from strangers, especially in regions with heightened privacy concerns like Europe (under GDPR) or countries like India and Iran with large group chats.  
Security: Reducing the risk of phone number misuse for personal and business accounts.  
User Satisfaction: Aligning WhatsApp with competitors like Telegram and Signal by offering a seamless, user-friendly experience.  

By adopting these features, WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business will reaffirm their commitment to user trust and data protection, ensuring billions of users can communicate securely and comfortably. We call on Meta and the WhatsApp Team to act swiftly and prioritize these changes.  

If you believe in enhancing user privacy and a better WhatsApp experience, please sign this petition to urge WhatsApp to listen to its global community!  

Why is it personal to you?
As a WhatsApp user, I’m frustrated that my phone number is visible to strangers in group chats, risking my privacy. The “This message was deleted” notification is annoying and disrupts conversations. I use WhatsApp for work and personal chats, but without privacy options like Telegram’s, I feel exposed. I want WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business to prioritize user privacy and experience, so everyone can communicate securely and comfortably.

Sincerely,  
Amirmahyar Etemadifard