WhatsApp will release an intriguing privacy feature soon.

For some time now, WhatsApp has been working on username support. Now, in their most recent Android beta version (2.24.18.2), they’ve added an exciting twist: username PINs!

By requiring a PIN (at least four digits) for anyone to message you, even if they are familiar with your username, this feature attempts to cut down on spam.

Upon implementation of usernames, conversations with current contacts will not be impacted.

We’re not sure when the PIN support or the username functionality will come out of beta, but given WhatsApp’s typical development timeline, we wouldn’t be shocked to see these launch before the year is up.

Separately, it was disclosed that WhatsApp is working on a new feature that will enable users to reshare status updates in which they have been mentioned. This function will be comparable to what Instagram offers.

The procedure of sharing status updates where users have been tagged will be made simpler by this functionality, which is presently in development.

Sharing content with contacts will be made simpler for users with the “Reshare Status Updates” function, which allows them to reshare status updates in which they have been mentioned.

To make resharing simple and eliminate the need for users to take screenshots or ask the original sharer to give the media privately, a new button will be introduced to the status update interface.