WhatsApp on Wednesday issued clarification over its upcoming username feature after drawing government attention, saying the new function will be introduced with multiple safeguards to reduce the risk of scams and impersonation. The company said the feature is not yet available and will be rolled out gradually later this year. According to WhatsApp, users will still need a phone number to create an account, while high-profile usernames linked to public figures, government bodies and verified Meta accounts will be reserved for their legitimate owners.
The platform also plans to limit unsolicited messages, detect abusive behaviour and provide context about first-time senders, helping users make informed decisions before responding.
This came after the government issued a notice to Meta over the move. The company was asked to submit a detailed explanation within three days regarding how the feature will work and what safety measures are in place, as per sources cited by PTI.
The new update on WhatsApp allows users to connect with others without sharing their mobile phone numbers. While the feature is designed to improve privacy, it has raised concerns among authorities.
Officials are worried that the option to use usernames instead of phone numbers could increase the risk of impersonation, fraud, and misuse of accounts. There are fears that some users may take advantage of the system to mislead others or spread false or harmful information.
The government is closely reviewing the feature and its possible impact on user safety.
All about new WhatsApp feature
WhatsApp is working on a new feature that will allow users to connect with others using usernames instead of phone numbers. The update is aimed at improving privacy, particularly when people join group chats or start conversations with new contacts.
The messaging platform, owned by Meta, has already begun letting users reserve their preferred usernames ahead of the full rollout. The feature is expected to be released more widely in the coming months.
Once available, users who set a username will be able to chat without showing their mobile number to people they interact with for the first time. This is designed to give users more control over their personal information.
How to reserve username
To reserve a username, users need to update WhatsApp to the latest version. The option can be found in Settings, under Account, where a “Username” section has been added. The app also offers a built-in suggestion tool to help users pick an available and unique handle.
With billions of users worldwide, WhatsApp has opened early reservations so people have a better chance of securing their desired usernames before general access begins. The company also plans to allow some users to match their WhatsApp username with the same handle they use on platforms like Instagram or Facebook, helping maintain a consistent online identity.
WhatsApp has confirmed that it will not introduce a public search directory for usernames. Instead, users will need to know the exact username to start a conversation. An optional extra security setting, called a username key, will also be available, allowing users to control who can message them.
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