WhatsApp May Have to Convince Indian Government Before Rolling Out Username Reservation Feature
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Centre reportedly examines WhatsApp's upcoming username feature over concerns about fraud, impersonation and user accountability.
By Pranjal Gupta
New Delhi, July 1: The upcoming WhatsApp feature, which will allow users to connect while keeping their phone number private, is reportedly under the scanner of the central government over concerns regarding fraud and impersonation. Meta had earlier announced WhatsApp username reservations, asking users to claim their usernames.
The government is likely to send a legal notice to WhatsApp, asking it to reveal the motive behind the functional shift from the traditional system, news agency PTI reported, citing government sources. The update introduces usernames (such as @yourname), meaning users can finally chat with new people without revealing their personal phone number.
While the government is examining the feature, the sources added that the authorities are also analysing whether there is any provision in India's legal system to restrict it. Whether such a provision exists or not, Meta-owned WhatsApp will have to convince the government if it wants to roll out the feature. If WhatsApp's response is found to be unsatisfactory, the government may seek to prevent its rollout, the sources added.
"They cannot go ahead unless they can assure and convince," the sources said, adding that WhatsApp, on its part, has indicated that this is a privacy tool.
An email sent to WhatsApp did not elicit a response, the report added.
What is the WhatsApp Username Feature?
Hidden Phone Numbers: When you message someone new using your username, your phone number will remain completely hidden from them.
No Public Directories: Unlike Instagram or X, there will not be a public directory where strangers can search for you. Someone has to know your exact username to find you.
Username Key (Extra Privacy): You can also set a four-digit PIN (a "Username Key"). If someone wants to message you using your username for the first time, they will need both your handle and that PIN, helping block random spam.
WhatsApp has around 500 million users in India, making it a significant market for the platform.
"Starting this week, you can reserve a username to use later this year when we launch this feature," WhatsApp said in a blog post.
According to the messaging platform, the move is aimed at enhancing user privacy, particularly in group chats or when connecting with new acquaintances, by eliminating the need to exchange phone numbers.
Paytm founder and CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma has warned that lookalike usernames could become a major avenue for impersonation and scams if not properly protected.
"Soon you will have a verified username on WhatsApp, and then unverified similar-sounding usernames... which in turn will..." he posted on X.
Jasveer Singh, co-founder and CEO of KnotDating, also flagged the risks. In a social media post, he wrote: "Privacy matters. So does accountability."
Experts believe that the feature may create confusion by making it easier for fraudsters and scammers to appear legitimate by grabbing usernames that closely resemble genuine brands or institutions.
Notably, WhatsApp recently got an Indian face at the helm, with tech giant Meta investing Rs 8,550 crore (about USD 900 million) in the Indian fintech firm CRED and appointing founder Kunal Shah as the new global head of the popular messaging platform.
(With Agency Inputs)
