Meta-owned app issued key clarification amid safety & privacy concerns WhatsApp on Thursday issued clarifications on its upcoming ‘Username’ feature, addressing privacy, safety and impersonation concerns as users begin reserving usernames ahead of the wider rollout later this year. The Meta-owned messaging platform answered several frequently asked questions, including whether usernames are mandatory, how they will protect against scams and whether strangers can contact users through usernames.The ‘Username’ feature is designed to let users connect on WhatsApp without sharing their phone numbers, particularly in group chats and conversations with new contacts.WhatsApp said the feature will be optional and users will not be required to create a username. The company also explained why some usernames may be unavailable, noting that existing Instagram and Facebook usernames are reserved for their owners, while names of public figures, celebrities, government entities and Meta Verified accounts are protected to prevent impersonation. “We’ve held well-known names and some variations of them – like public figures, celebrities, government entities and Meta-verified accounts – so they can only be claimed by their legitimate owners,” it said.Further addressing privacy concerns, WhatsApp said usernames will not be searchable, similar to phone numbers on the platform. It added that when username-based messaging becomes available, users will receive safety information about first-time contacts, including the sender’s country and account details, alongside the existing block and report tools. The company also introduced a “username key”; an optional extra layer of protection that requires someone to know both a user’s username and the key before initiating contact. Users will also be able to change their usernames later, provided the new one is available. It explained it as, “An extra layer of protection you can enable with your username, so that another user will have to know both your username and your username key to contact you. You can reset your key at any time to stop new inbound contact through your username.”WhatsApp further said users who want the same username as their Instagram or Facebook account will need to link those accounts to verify ownership, after which they can unlink them if they choose. The company also refuted alleged claims that popular or well-known usernames can be reserved by anyone, saying such usernames are available only to their legitimate owners.Centre’s notice to WhatsAppThe Centre has directed Meta-owned WhatsApp not to roll out its proposed username feature until consultations with the government are completed, citing concerns that it could fuel impersonation, phishing, digital arrest scams and financial fraud. In a notice, the government asked the company to submit a detailed explanation of the feature, along with supporting documents, within three days.”It is felt that the feature may materially increase the incidence of online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams and impersonation attacks, by enabling bad actors to solicit and message victims,” the notice said. It also warned that usernames resembling those of individuals, public authorities, financial institutions and government agencies could facilitate identity spoofing.Responding to the notice, WhatsApp spokesperson said, “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 company rep added that it has reserved usernames of “public figures, government entities, celebrities, verified Meta accounts” for their legitimate owners and introduced safeguards such as requiring users to know the exact username, limiting outreach to new users, blocking repeated attempts to guess username keys, and detecting impersonation and abuse patterns. It also said users will continue to need a phone number to use WhatsApp.Read more: Govt directs Meta not to roll out WhatsApp username feature, seeks explanation in 3 days; company reactsGet the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Highly Deplorable’: India Slams Pakistan Over Demolition Of 125-Year-Old Gurdwara In FarooqabadHealth Concerns Mount As Sonam Wangchuk’s Blood Sugar Falls, Weight Drops As Fast ContinuesDMK Seeks FIR Against CM Vijay, Alleges Plot To Induce MLAs And Alter Assembly NumbersCongress Claims BJP in West Bengal “Will Be Equally Aggressive”; MP Sparks Debate On GovernanceIran Invites BJP Chief Nitin Nabin, Congress Prez Kharge, Pawan Khera To Khamenei’s Funeral: ReportModi Cabinet Reshuffle Buzz: Will NDA Allies And Rebel MPs Find A Place In The Union Cabinet?Three Arrested, Senthil Balaji Under Scanner In Alleged TVK Government Toppling BidCongress Moves Privilege Motion Against Rajnath Singh Over Op Sindoor Claims; Seeks Transparency’Neglecting For 2.5 Years’ Kailash Vijayvargiya’s Letter To CM Mohan Yadav Triggers Political StormWATCH: Eggs, Vegetables Hurled At Mahua Moitra; TMC MP Accuses ‘BJP Goons’, Says Police Stood By123Photostories60-second money lesson: The biggest money mistake most women make in the first week after salary day (and how to avoid it)From walking on ceilings to shooting blood: 5 shocking lizard factsLock Upp 2: Ram Kapoor, Sunita Ahuja to Akanksha Chamola—contestants’ net worth revealed; this celebrity tops the list with Rs 135 croreWilliam Faulkner’s quote, ‘You cannot swim for new horizons until you have courage to lose sight of the shore,’ perfectly explains why growth demands riskThink you will get your full deposit back? These surprisingly common move-out mistakes could lead to major deductions from your security depositPsychology says children need their parents the most during these 5 vulnerable moments of the day and how parents should respond during these momentsVande Bharat on a budget: 5 routes you can travel for under INR 1,5005 secrets to build an aura everyone feels attracted toPersonality test: Solo trip or holiday with your partner? What your travel style tells you about yourself5 shocking facts about octopuses that seem too strange to be real123Hot PicksLPG gas pricePatrick MahomesNEET PG RegistrationEmployees Provident Funds SchemeGTA 6India vs England t20Marcus SmartNayara petrol priceHow to Watch FIFA World Cup TodayTop TrendingNayara energy petrol priceLPG priceKetan Agarwal Murder CaseFIFA World Cup 2026Monaco BlastBengaluru TechieAnukalp MishraSergei IvanovIndigo Check-in Bag FaresAyodhya Ram Temple Donation Theft
WhatsApp on Thursday issued clarifications on its upcoming ‘Username’ feature, addressing privacy, safety and impersonation concerns as users begin reserving usernames ahead of the wider rollout later this year. The Meta-owned messaging platform answered several frequently asked questions, including whether usernames are mandatory, how they will protect against scams and whether strangers can contact users through usernames.The ‘Username’ feature is designed to let users connect on WhatsApp without sharing their phone numbers, particularly in group chats and conversations with new contacts.WhatsApp said the feature will be optional and users will not be required to create a username. The company also explained why some usernames may be unavailable, noting that existing Instagram and Facebook usernames are reserved for their owners, while names of public figures, celebrities, government entities and Meta Verified accounts are protected to prevent impersonation. “We’ve held well-known names and some variations of them – like public figures, celebrities, government entities and Meta-verified accounts – so they can only be claimed by their legitimate owners,” it said.Further addressing privacy concerns, WhatsApp said usernames will not be searchable, similar to phone numbers on the platform. It added that when username-based messaging becomes available, users will receive safety information about first-time contacts, including the sender’s country and account details, alongside the existing block and report tools. The company also introduced a “username key”; an optional extra layer of protection that requires someone to know both a user’s username and the key before initiating contact. Users will also be able to change their usernames later, provided the new one is available. It explained it as, “An extra layer of protection you can enable with your username, so that another user will have to know both your username and your username key to contact you. You can reset your key at any time to stop new inbound contact through your username.”WhatsApp further said users who want the same username as their Instagram or Facebook account will need to link those accounts to verify ownership, after which they can unlink them if they choose. The company also refuted alleged claims that popular or well-known usernames can be reserved by anyone, saying such usernames are available only to their legitimate owners.
Centre’s notice to WhatsApp
The Centre has directed Meta-owned WhatsApp not to roll out its proposed username feature until consultations with the government are completed, citing concerns that it could fuel impersonation, phishing, digital arrest scams and financial fraud. In a notice, the government asked the company to submit a detailed explanation of the feature, along with supporting documents, within three days.“It is felt that the feature may materially increase the incidence of online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams and impersonation attacks, by enabling bad actors to solicit and message victims,” the notice said. It also warned that usernames resembling those of individuals, public authorities, financial institutions and government agencies could facilitate identity spoofing.Responding to the notice, WhatsApp spokesperson said, “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 company rep added that it has reserved usernames of “public figures, government entities, celebrities, verified Meta accounts” for their legitimate owners and introduced safeguards such as requiring users to know the exact username, limiting outreach to new users, blocking repeated attempts to guess username keys, and detecting impersonation and abuse patterns. It also said users will continue to need a phone number to use WhatsApp.Read more: Govt directs Meta not to roll out WhatsApp username feature, seeks explanation in 3 days; company reacts
