Government to examine WhatsApp's new username feature over online fraud concerns: Sources
The government is set to examine WhatsApp's upcoming username feature over concerns that it could be misused for online fraud, sources told India Today. Officials will review its privacy and security implications, and Meta could face a notice if any irregularities are found.
WhatsApp is preparing to introduce one of its biggest privacy changes in years by allowing users to connect using usernames instead of sharing their phone numbers. While the feature is designed to give users more control over their privacy, it has also caught the attention of the government. Sources told India Today that the Centre plans to examine the new system closely, particularly from the perspective of online fraud and user safety. If any irregularities are found during the review, the government could also issue a notice to Meta, the company that owns WhatsApp.
The move comes at a time when India has been witnessing a rise in online scams, with fraudsters using messaging platforms to target unsuspecting users. Officials are expected to study whether the username-based system could create fresh challenges for identifying scammers or whether it would strengthen user privacy without compromising security.
Government to review privacy and security aspects
According to sources, the Central Government will examine WhatsApp's upcoming 'User ID' feature before or as it rolls out to users. The review will focus on privacy and security implications, especially amid growing concerns over digital fraud. Officials are expected to study whether the new feature has enough safeguards to prevent misuse by cybercriminals. If the government identifies any issues during its assessment, Meta could receive a notice seeking an explanation or asking for corrective measures.
The development follows WhatsApp's announcement that it will gradually introduce usernames for its users worldwide over the coming months. The feature will allow people to start conversations by sharing a unique username instead of revealing their mobile number. WhatsApp says users will be able to reserve a username through the app, although creating one will remain optional.
The company also says usernames can be changed or removed whenever users want. Once the feature is fully available, people will be able to connect by exchanging usernames alone while continuing to use options such as blocking or reporting suspicious accounts.
How the new feature will work
WhatsApp says usernames are being introduced as a privacy feature. The company believes not everyone is comfortable sharing their phone number, particularly in group conversations or when talking to someone for the first time. Explaining the idea behind the feature, WhatsApp's Head of Product Alice Newton-Rex told BBC, "give users control over how they choose to show up" on the platform.
Usernames can be up to 35 characters long. Some high-profile names, including those of well-known public figures and celebrities, will be protected so that others cannot claim them. Users will be able to reserve a username from the account or profile settings within the mobile app once the option becomes available. The feature will not be supported through WhatsApp Web or the desktop app during the reservation stage.
For creators, businesses and organisations, WhatsApp will offer the option to claim the same username they already use on Instagram or Facebook for consistency. Other users who want matching usernames across Meta's platforms will need to link their accounts through Meta's Accounts Centre.
The rollout will happen gradually, meaning not everyone will see the option immediately. WhatsApp has advised users to update the app to the latest version and wait until the feature becomes available for their account.
Although the company says the feature improves privacy by hiding phone numbers during chats, some experts and users have raised concerns that usernames could also be exploited by scammers impersonating others. In response, WhatsApp says it has "multiple layers of defense in place" to detect abuse. It also plans to offer optional username keys—short numeric codes that users can share along with their username to make it harder for fraudsters to impersonate them.
WhatsApp maintains that private messages remain protected by end-to-end encryption and are not used for advertising. However, the platform does collect certain account information and metadata, such as general location and basic profile details, for other purposes. For more such details and updates, you can stay tuned to India Today Tech.
WhatsApp is preparing to introduce one of its biggest privacy changes in years by allowing users to connect using usernames instead of sharing their phone numbers. While the feature is designed to give users more control over their privacy, it has also caught the attention of the government. Sources told India Today that the Centre plans to examine the new system closely, particularly from the perspective of online fraud and user safety. If any irregularities are found during the review, the government could also issue a notice to Meta, the company that owns WhatsApp.
The move comes at a time when India has been witnessing a rise in online scams, with fraudsters using messaging platforms to target unsuspecting users. Officials are expected to study whether the username-based system could create fresh challenges for identifying scammers or whether it would strengthen user privacy without compromising security.
Government to review privacy and security aspects
According to sources, the Central Government will examine WhatsApp's upcoming 'User ID' feature before or as it rolls out to users. The review will focus on privacy and security implications, especially amid growing concerns over digital fraud. Officials are expected to study whether the new feature has enough safeguards to prevent misuse by cybercriminals. If the government identifies any issues during its assessment, Meta could receive a notice seeking an explanation or asking for corrective measures.
The development follows WhatsApp's announcement that it will gradually introduce usernames for its users worldwide over the coming months. The feature will allow people to start conversations by sharing a unique username instead of revealing their mobile number. WhatsApp says users will be able to reserve a username through the app, although creating one will remain optional.
The company also says usernames can be changed or removed whenever users want. Once the feature is fully available, people will be able to connect by exchanging usernames alone while continuing to use options such as blocking or reporting suspicious accounts.
How the new feature will work
WhatsApp says usernames are being introduced as a privacy feature. The company believes not everyone is comfortable sharing their phone number, particularly in group conversations or when talking to someone for the first time. Explaining the idea behind the feature, WhatsApp's Head of Product Alice Newton-Rex told BBC, "give users control over how they choose to show up" on the platform.
Usernames can be up to 35 characters long. Some high-profile names, including those of well-known public figures and celebrities, will be protected so that others cannot claim them. Users will be able to reserve a username from the account or profile settings within the mobile app once the option becomes available. The feature will not be supported through WhatsApp Web or the desktop app during the reservation stage.
For creators, businesses and organisations, WhatsApp will offer the option to claim the same username they already use on Instagram or Facebook for consistency. Other users who want matching usernames across Meta's platforms will need to link their accounts through Meta's Accounts Centre.
The rollout will happen gradually, meaning not everyone will see the option immediately. WhatsApp has advised users to update the app to the latest version and wait until the feature becomes available for their account.
Although the company says the feature improves privacy by hiding phone numbers during chats, some experts and users have raised concerns that usernames could also be exploited by scammers impersonating others. In response, WhatsApp says it has "multiple layers of defense in place" to detect abuse. It also plans to offer optional username keys—short numeric codes that users can share along with their username to make it harder for fraudsters to impersonate them.
WhatsApp maintains that private messages remain protected by end-to-end encryption and are not used for advertising. However, the platform does collect certain account information and metadata, such as general location and basic profile details, for other purposes. For more such details and updates, you can stay tuned to India Today Tech.
