New Delhi14 minutes ago
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The central government will investigate the new username feature of WhatsApp. According to news agency PTI, this feature can significantly increase the risk of fraud and cyber fraud by hiding identity.
Parent company Meta had launched the feature of chatting without disclosing the mobile number in its instant messaging app. In this, people can chat with a new person only through their username.
According to officials, the government will closely examine this upcoming username feature of WhatsApp. The concern is that when users get the freedom to hide their phone numbers, it may become easier for fraudsters to defraud people by creating a fake account in someone else’s name.
WhatsApp has more than 50 crore users in India. To protect such a large user base and prevent frauds caused by fake profiles, the government wants to test the safety standards of the new feature.
Username feature was launched three days ago
The company has started registration of usernames worldwide from June 29. However, this facility will not be available to all users simultaneously. It will be gradually rolled out in all countries in the coming few months. When this feature is available in the user’s area, he will get a notification in his WhatsApp.
First of all, know why it is important to book a username early
Millions of users around the world can choose the same or similar username. In such a situation, those who reserve their username first will have more chances of getting the username of their choice.
WhatsApp head Kunal Shah wrote on
Right timing is everything. Join WhatsApp and secure your username before this feature is released worldwide. Now it’s time to pick a username of your choice. A more private way to connect with people is coming to your WhatsApp soon.
What will change with this new feature
In some situations, the phone number will not appear automatically after the username feature is introduced. These include:
When you are added to a larger group chat.
When you message someone for the first time.
With this change your phone number will remain private. It will appear only if you choose to share it.
8 questions and answers related to WhatsApp Username feature, which you need to know
Why did WhatsApp bring username feature: WhatsApp says that sometimes people want to talk to a new person, but do not want to share their mobile number. It is important to maintain privacy when talking to someone you met at a networking event, a new classmate, a neighbor, or other parents in your child’s school/sports group. In such a situation, now only username can be shared instead of mobile number.
What are the rules for creating a username: username 3 to 35 characters Will be of. it only a-z (small English letters), 0-9 (digits), dot (.) and underscore (_) Can be used. Every username will be completely unique. It can be changed, removed or updated if needed.
Will the mobile number not be fully visible: Yes, but only for those who will contact you for the first time. If you have set a username, the new person will not be able to see your mobile number. However, to create and use WhatsApp account, mobile number will remain necessary as before. People who already have your number saved will be able to chat with you like before.
Will anyone be able to find the number by searching the username: No. WhatsApp will not create any public username directory. The company will not suggest your username to any other user. Someone will be able to send you messages only when he knows your correct username.
What is Username Key: WhatsApp is also bringing a new optional security feature called Username Key. This security code will work like a PIN. If the user turns it on, then no unknown person will be able to message you just by knowing your username. The person sending the message for the first time will have to enter this key first. Only after this the chat can start. Users will also be able to change this key whenever they want. Its purpose is to reduce spam and unwanted messages.
How will old chats and contacts be affected: Existing chats, contacts and groups will work as before. For people who already have your number, nothing will change. All security features like end-to-end encryption, blocks and reports will continue to work as before.
What will be the biggest benefit of this feature: You will not have to share your mobile number to talk to new people. The privacy of users will be stronger than before. This will help in reducing spam and unwanted messages. It will be easier for creators and businesses to maintain a common digital identity across Meta’s different platforms.
These people won’t need a username to contact you
People who already have your phone number saved.
People you’ve chatted with before.
Who are in a joint group with you.
Who have scanned your QR code.
Whom you have messaged earlier.
………………..
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WhatsApp will not work without SIM card from March 1: Government refuses to extend the deadline; Computer will log out every 6 hours
The central government has refused to extend the February 28 deadline for implementing the rules of ‘SIM binding’. Under the new rules, messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal will not work if there is no SIM card in the mobile. Login WhatsApp on computer will also be logged out in 6 hours. The government claims that this will help in stopping cyber fraud. Read the full news…
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