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India halts WhatsApp username rollout, seeks Meta explanation amid impersonation and scam fears, public figures warn of fake usernames, WhatsApp says key names will be reserved
Like Telegram, WhatsApp will allow users to chat with other people using their preferred usernames instead of existing phone numbers.
WhatsApp’s upcoming username feature has been embroiled in a controversy, as many people are worried that it will risk the privacy of users, especially public figures and authorities and malicious agents can use it to dupe or scam people.
Paying heed to the public backlash, the government has directed Meta to submit a detailed explanation of the feature within three days has instructed the company not to roll it out in India until the consultation process is completed.
What’s The Upcoming ‘Username’ Feature of WhatsApp?
Like Telegram, WhatsApp will allow users to chat with other people using their preferred usernames instead of existing phone numbers. Which means phone numbers won’t be revealed unless and until a person wants to appear. This allows better privacy for users while using the chat app, though the phone number must be linked with the account when creating the account.
Once available, users can choose to let new contacts reach them through a username rather than exposing their mobile number.
WhatsApp says the new username system has been built to solve exactly that problem by allowing people to chat without disclosing their phone numbers to everyone they interact with.
According to the company, the feature is designed to offer users “a more private way to connect.”
What’s The Bone Of Contention?
The issue lies in the duplication of usernames. Many prominent personalities have raised concerns on the X platform, stating that malign agents will use the public figure or authority username, a little bit tweak, to dupe the citizens.
“In a country such as India, this could be a disaster, if the right anti-abuse systems are not set up by WhatsApp,” Ankur Warikoo, entrepreneur and public figure, wrote on X.
He explained how scammers could easily create usernames resembling public figures and influencers. “Imagine receiving a message from warikoo / awarikoo / ankurwarikooo / ankur_warikoo / a_warikoo / ankurwarikooofficial etc etc — soliciting money,” he said.
Warikoo pointed out that many users still struggle to understand verified badges even on existing social media platforms. He also argued that the username feature removes an important layer of safety because users will no longer be able to identify someone through their phone number.
Echoing the concern, Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma said that “soon you will have verified username on WhatsApp, and then unverified similar-sounding usernames….which in turn will….”
AAP politician Manish Sisodia shared a post on X stating that he had been unable to reserve his username because ‘many versions’ of his name have already been taken.
“As far as I know, there isn’t another Manish Sisodia associated with AAP. If someone else has reserved these usernames, it raises a genuine concern about impersonation and the possibility of misleading people,” he said in the post.
WhatsApp Response
WhatsApp has said the names of public figures, government entities, celebrities and verified Meta accounts will be kept reserved under its upcoming usernames feature, shortly after the Centre issued a notice to Meta over concerns that the tool could be misused for impersonation and online scams.
“We’ve announced the option for people to reserve their preferred username on WhatsApp. The ability to use a username is not yet live and will roll out slowly later this year,” the spokesperson said.
Addressing concerns over misuse, the company said it has already built safeguards into the feature.
About the Author
Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the I…Read More
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