Centre to examine WhatsApp username feature amid online fraud concerns
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Centre to Examine WhatsApp Username Feature Amid Online Fraud ConcernsNew Delhi: The Central Government is set to examine WhatsApp’s upcoming username feature, which will allow users to connect without sharing their mobile numbers, amid concerns over online fraud and user safety, sources said.
The new feature is being introduced as one of WhatsApp’s biggest privacy changes in recent years. It will allow users to communicate through unique usernames instead of revealing their phone numbers, giving them greater control over how they share their identity on the platform.
However, the move has drawn the government’s attention due to rising cases of online scams and concerns over whether the new system could create challenges in identifying cybercriminals.
Sources said the Centre will review WhatsApp’s upcoming ‘User ID’ feature before or during its rollout to users. The assessment will focus on privacy and security aspects, especially whether sufficient safeguards are in place to prevent misuse.
Officials are expected to examine whether the username-based system could make it easier for fraudsters to operate or whether it can provide stronger privacy protection without affecting user safety.
If any concerns or irregularities are identified during the review, the government may issue a notice to Meta, the company that owns WhatsApp, seeking clarification or asking for corrective steps.
The development comes after WhatsApp announced that it would gradually introduce usernames globally over the coming months. The feature will allow users to start conversations by sharing a unique username rather than their phone number.
WhatsApp has said users will be able to reserve usernames through the app, though creating one will remain optional.
The company has also confirmed that users can change or remove their usernames whenever they choose. Once the feature is fully rolled out, people will be able to connect by exchanging usernames while continuing to use safety tools such as blocking and reporting suspicious accounts.
WhatsApp said the username feature is designed to improve privacy, as many users may not feel comfortable sharing their phone numbers, especially in group chats or while communicating with new contacts.
Explaining the purpose of the feature, WhatsApp Head of Product Alice Newton-Rex told BBC that it aims to "give users control over how they choose to show up" on the platform.
Usernames can be up to 35 characters long. Certain high-profile names, including those linked to well-known public figures and celebrities, will be protected to prevent others from claiming them.
Users will be able to reserve a username through their account or profile settings on the mobile app once the feature becomes available. The option will not be available on WhatsApp Web or the desktop application during the initial reservation stage.
For creators, businesses and organisations, WhatsApp will provide an option to claim the same username they already use on Instagram or Facebook for consistency across Meta platforms. Users seeking matching usernames across Meta services will need to connect their accounts through Meta’s Accounts Centre.
The rollout will take place gradually, meaning the feature may not appear for all users immediately. WhatsApp has advised users to update their app to the latest version and wait until the option becomes available for their account.
While the company says usernames will improve privacy by allowing users to hide their phone numbers during chats, some experts and users have raised concerns that the feature could also be misused by scammers attempting to impersonate others.
WhatsApp has said it has "multiple layers of defence in place" to identify and prevent abuse. The platform also plans to introduce optional username keys, which are short numeric codes users can share along with their username to make impersonation more difficult.
WhatsApp maintains that private messages remain protected through end-to-end encryption and are not used for advertising. However, the platform collects certain account-related information and metadata, including general location details and basic profile information, for other purposes.
