The Indian government is taking a close look at the new WhatsApp username feature after concerns about fake accounts and online fraud. Sources from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) said officials will study the feature carefully before it becomes available to everyone. The government wants to make sure the feature does not create new risks for users.
The new feature allows people to chat without sharing their phone numbers. Instead, they can create a unique username and use it while talking to new contacts, joining groups, or connecting with businesses. WhatsApp says this change gives users more privacy and helps keep personal phone numbers private.
Although the feature improves privacy, the government believes it could also create problems. Someone could make a username that looks almost the same as a real person's name or a trusted business. Many people may not notice the small difference and could end up chatting with a fake account. This could lead to scams, fraud, or the spread of false information.
Officials said user safety will remain the government's biggest priority. Every legal and security issue linked to the feature will be reviewed. If the government finds weak safety measures, MeitY may send a notice to WhatsApp asking the company to improve its protections before the wider rollout.
WhatsApp has already announced several steps to stop misuse. The company says there will be no public list of usernames. People must know the exact username before they can start a chat. WhatsApp is also adding an optional username key. This extra security option will require both the username and the key before someone can send the first message.
The platform also plans to protect important names. Usernames linked to government offices, public figures, celebrities, and well-known brands will be reserved to reduce the chances of impersonation. WhatsApp says these steps will help keep the platform safer as the feature expands to more users.
Security experts still believe fake accounts could remain a challenge. A scammer may simply change one letter or add a number to a username. At first glance, the fake account may look real. Since online scams are already common in India, experts believe strong checks will be necessary before the feature reaches millions of users.
The government's review is not only about one new feature. It also reflects a bigger effort to make sure new technology keeps people safe. Privacy is important, but strong security is equally necessary when millions of people use the same platform every day.
WhatsApp has already started allowing users to reserve usernames before the official launch. Usernames can include letters, numbers, dots, and underscores and can be up to 35 characters long. Users will also have the option to change or remove their usernames whenever they want. Businesses and creators can reserve the same usernames they already use on Instagram and Facebook.
The government has not announced a final decision yet. However, the ongoing review shows that India wants stronger protection against online fraud, impersonation risks, and other digital safety threats before the WhatsApp username feature becomes widely available.
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