WhatsApp has begun allowing users to reserve usernames ahead of the wider rollout of its new username based messaging feature later this year, introducing a significant change to how people connect on the platform. Instead of sharing phone numbers, users will be able to communicate through unique usernames, a move that Meta says is intended to improve user privacy. While the feature is expected to reduce the need to disclose personal phone numbers, it has also prompted concerns among cybersecurity experts and regulators that it could create new opportunities for impersonation, phishing and online fraud. The discussion has gained particular attention in India, WhatsApp’s largest market with more than 500 million users, where government authorities have already requested that the rollout be paused pending further consultations.
The introduction of usernames changes the way users identify one another on WhatsApp, replacing the long standing reliance on phone numbers as the platform’s primary identifier. During early testing, TechCrunch reported that several usernames closely resembling the identities of well known public figures, companies and government institutions were available for reservation. Examples included handles such as indiamodi, referencing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, shahrukh.actor associated with actor Shah Rukh Khan, teamamitabh linked to Amitabh Bachchan, ambanijio resembling Mukesh Ambani’s telecommunications brand Jio and rbi_verify, which appeared similar to the Reserve Bank of India. Binance founder Changpeng Zhao also stated on X that he was unable to reserve the username cz_binance despite already using the same identity on the social media platform. Meta said it has reserved usernames belonging to public figures, government organizations and certain variations of their names, adding that only legitimate owners would be permitted to claim those protected identities. However, the company has not publicly explained how it determines which similar usernames should be restricted and which remain available. Meta also stated that usernames will remain optional and will not be listed in a publicly searchable directory.
The feature has also attracted regulatory scrutiny in India. According to reports, India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issued a notice to WhatsApp on July 1 requesting that the company suspend the rollout until discussions with government officials are completed. The ministry reportedly warned that allowing users to communicate without displaying phone numbers could increase the risk of phishing attacks, impersonation, online fraud and digital arrest scams. Officials also expressed concern that attackers could create usernames closely resembling those of government agencies, financial institutions, businesses and public officials, making it easier to deceive users. The ministry requested that WhatsApp explain why regulatory action should not be considered under India’s information technology laws and reportedly provided the company with three days to respond. Separately, government officials confirmed that discussions with WhatsApp regarding the feature are ongoing. The government’s position has also been challenged by New Delhi based Internet Freedom Foundation, which argued that while fraud and impersonation are legitimate concerns, the notice lacked a clearly defined legal basis and could give authorities excessive influence over private product design decisions. The organization suggested that authorities should focus on prosecuting individuals responsible for fraudulent activities rather than restricting platform features before they become widely available.
The debate surrounding WhatsApp’s usernames has also revived comparisons with an earlier Delhi High Court case involving Telegram, in which the court observed that username based identities could allow users to conceal their identities more easily while facilitating the spread of illegal content. Although that case was unrelated to WhatsApp, the discussion has resurfaced as Meta prepares to introduce a similar identification system. Security professionals continue to recognize the privacy benefits of eliminating the need to share phone numbers with strangers. Rachel Tobac, Chief Executive Officer of SocialProof Security, described usernames as a positive privacy enhancement because they reduce exposure to phishing attempts, SIM swapping attacks and account takeover risks associated with sharing personal phone numbers. At the same time, she cautioned that similar looking usernames could still be exploited for impersonation schemes and advised users to select unique, difficult to guess usernames to reduce the likelihood of unwanted contact or targeted scams. WhatsApp has also stated that users will have the option to link usernames with their Instagram or Facebook accounts, allowing creators, businesses and organizations to maintain a consistent identity across Meta’s platforms. The company said it is introducing username reservations gradually and will continue evaluating user feedback before making the feature broadly available later this year while taking additional time to ensure the system operates as intended.
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