New Delhi: WhatsApp has moved to reassure users and the Indian government about its upcoming username feature after concerns were raised over online safety and the possibility of misuse by fraudsters. The messaging platform, owned by Meta, has clarified that the new feature is designed to improve user privacy and will include several safeguards to prevent impersonation and cybercrime.
The clarification came after the Indian government asked the company to temporarily hold the rollout of the feature in the country until discussions with officials are completed. Authorities have sought detailed information on how the system will work and the measures that will be in place to protect users from scams and identity fraud.
The proposed feature will allow users to communicate using a unique username instead of sharing their mobile phone number. According to WhatsApp, this is intended to give users greater control over their personal information, especially when chatting with people who are not part of their saved contacts.
However, government officials expressed concern that the feature could be misused by cybercriminals. They fear that fraudsters may create usernames that resemble those of banks, government departments, well known companies or public personalities to deceive users through phishing attempts and financial scams. India has witnessed a sharp increase in online fraud cases in recent years, making digital safety a key priority for regulators.
In response, WhatsApp released a detailed explanation of how the username feature will operate. The company stressed that creating a username will be completely optional. Users who prefer to continue using the application with their registered phone numbers will not be required to make any changes to their accounts.
The company also clarified that usernames will not be publicly searchable. Unlike some other social media platforms where users can search for profiles by name, WhatsApp said there will be no public directory of usernames. A person will need to know the exact username before they can attempt to contact another user.
WhatsApp further explained that every account will still require a verified mobile phone number. The username will simply act as an additional identity option and will not replace the existing phone number registration process.
To prevent impersonation, the platform said that usernames belonging to celebrities, public figures, government organisations and Meta Verified accounts will be protected. It also plans to block usernames that closely resemble these protected identities, reducing the chances of fake accounts misleading users.
Another security feature being developed is a Username Key. This optional setting will require users to share an additional security key before someone who knows their username can begin a conversation with them. Users will also have the ability to change this key whenever they wish, adding another layer of protection.
WhatsApp said users will continue to receive safety information whenever they receive messages from unfamiliar accounts. Details such as the sender's country and account information, along with security alerts, will help people identify suspicious contacts before responding.
The company also explained why some usernames may not be available. A username may already be reserved by another user, linked to the same person's Facebook or Instagram account, or protected because it belongs to a verified organisation or public figure. Similar looking usernames may also be blocked to avoid confusion and impersonation.
The Indian government has asked Meta to provide a detailed response explaining the safeguards built into the feature and why it should be allowed to launch in the country. Officials are expected to review the company's submissions before taking a final decision on the rollout.
Technology experts say username based messaging is already available on several other platforms. However, WhatsApp's enormous user base, particularly in India, means that even a small security weakness could affect millions of people. This has prompted regulators to seek stronger assurances before approving the feature.
The discussions between WhatsApp and the Indian government are expected to continue in the coming days. While the feature promises greater privacy by allowing users to hide their phone numbers, authorities remain focused on ensuring that it does not become another tool for online fraud. The outcome of these consultations will determine when the username feature will eventually become available for users in India.