WhatsApp Launches In-App Contact Storage Feature on October 22, 2024

On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, WhatsApp announced a significant upgrade to its app, allowing users to store contacts directly within the application rather than relying solely on their phone's contact book. This new feature aims to enhance user convenience, especially in cases of lost devices or when switching to new ones. All stored contacts will be saved in the cloud, ensuring they are accessible across various devices, including WhatsApp for web and Windows. Furthermore, the app provides the capability to sync contacts back to the user's phone, offering flexibility and control over their contact information. Previously, any contact saved from chats was maintained locally on the user's device, which posed risks if a user changed devices or lost their phone. The ability to store contacts within the app allows users to segment their personal and professional contacts effectively, especially useful for individuals who might be sharing devices. With the rollout of this feature, WhatsApp is also introducing a username system, allowing users to avoid sharing their phone numbers while messaging others, thus providing an additional layer of privacy. To secure this new feature, WhatsApp developed an encrypted storage system called Identity Proof Linked Storage (IPLS). This advanced system is designed to encrypt contact information and to authenticate user identity efficiently. The company is collaborating with Cloudflare to protect the integrity of users' directories from unauthorized modifications. This aligns with WhatsApp's ongoing commitment to enhancing privacy and security for its users. The introduction of these features underscores WhatsApp's proactive approach to meeting user needs in a continually evolving digital landscape. By integrating secure contact storage and privacy-enhancing options, WhatsApp aims to improve user retention and provide a seamless experience across multiple devices.