For years, the encrypted messaging app Signal has required users to sign up with a real phone number, making it difficult to remain completely anonymous. But that changed yesterday when Signal announced the beta rollout of usernames – an optional feature that allows users to keep their phone numbers private.

This is a major shift for the privacy-focused app. Since its launch in July 2014, Signal has relied on phone numbers as the primary way of identifying users and finding contacts. This approach came with a tradeoff: it improved ease of use by integrating with your phone’s existing contacts but reduced anonymity by linking accounts to real identities.

With usernames, Signal users can now choose to conceal their phone numbers entirely. You’ll be able to pick a unique username during setup that replaces your number as your Signal ID. If you enable enhanced privacy in settings, even existing contacts won’t be able to see your number – they’ll have to know your exact username to find you.

Usernames are designed to be egalitarian, with two random numbers appended to the end during account creation. This prevents spoofing and ensures usernames remain available. You can change your username at any time or delete it if you no longer want it.

Signal will still require a phone number to set up an account, but it will now function in the background solely for verification purposes. Once your account is verified, you can hand out your username instead of your number when meeting new people. Usernames also come with a scannable QR code to make sharing easy.

This added privacy is a welcome change for those who rely on Signal to securely communicate with sensitive sources and contacts without exposing their real identities. Previously, the phone number requirement meant having a separate burner device just for Signal. With usernames, your everyday phone can now become your private Signal device.

The timing of this feature is notable given Signal’s rapid growth in recent years amid rising concerns about data privacy and government surveillance. The app’s privacy protections have attracted millions of new users, but some have balked at the phone number requirement. Usernames solve this dilemma, providing privacy without compromising ease of use.

Signal stressed that this change has been in the works for years and was not launched in response to a particular event. However, the growing adoption of encrypted messaging globally may have provided additional motivation.

Usernames are launching in beta first, but a full rollout is expected over the coming weeks. For those who have grown wary of oversharing personal information online, it’s an important step toward reclaiming control over your digital identity.