WhatsApp details safeguards for upcoming username feature amid govt scrutiny

Meta-owned WhatsApp has released a detailed set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) explaining how its upcoming username feature will work, outlining multiple safeguards against impersonation, scams and unwanted contact as users begin reserving usernames ahead of the feature's rollout later this year.

The clarification comes days after the Centre issued a notice to Meta, raising concerns over the potential misuse of usernames for fraud and impersonation and asking the company not to roll out the feature until consultations with the government are completed.

The new feature will allow users to connect on WhatsApp using a unique username instead of sharing their phone number. According to the company, usernames will remain optional and will not replace phone numbers.

Usernames won't be searchable

Addressing privacy concerns, WhatsApp said strangers will not be able to search for users by username, just as phone numbers cannot currently be searched within the app.

To further limit unwanted contact, users will have the option of enabling a "username key" — an additional layer of security requiring both the username and the key before someone can initiate contact.

Users will also be able to reset their username key at any time to prevent future contact through their username.

Safeguards against impersonation

WhatsApp said it has reserved the names of public figures, celebrities, government entities and Meta-verified accounts so they can only be claimed by their legitimate owners.

Users who wish to use the same username as their Instagram or Facebook account will be required to link those accounts to verify ownership. They can unlink the accounts after the username has been reserved.

The company also dismissed claims circulating online that popular or well-known usernames could be reserved by anyone.

"Only the legitimate account owners are able to reserve well-known public-figure names," WhatsApp said.

Monitoring scams and fake accounts

The messaging platform said it would actively monitor user reports and blocks to detect scammers and take appropriate action.

It also said that when username-based messaging becomes available, users receiving messages from someone for the first time will see safety information, including the sender's country of origin and a warning identifying it as first-time contact.

Existing protections — such as the ability to block and report unknown users and information indicating whether the sender shares a group with the recipient — will continue to remain in place.

Usernames remain optional and editable

WhatsApp clarified that users are not required to create a username. If a preferred username is unavailable, it could be because it has already been claimed, is linked to an existing Instagram or Facebook account, or has been reserved for a protected public figure or institution.

The company said users will be able to change their usernames later, provided the desired username is available.

Explaining why reservations have opened before the feature's launch, WhatsApp said it expects users to have strong preferences over their usernames and wants to incorporate public feedback before rolling out the feature globally later this year.

With PTI inputs