WhatsApp has released detailed Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on its Username feature, to address concerns about impersonation, scams and unwanted contact when users start reserving usernames.
The clarification comes after the Center raised concerns about potential fraud and impersonation risks, and advised Meta to postpone the offering until consultations are completed to the government’s satisfaction.
This feature will allow users to create unique usernames to contact on WhatsApp without sharing phone numbers.
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Frequently asked questions about WhatsApp username feature
Q: Are usernames mandatory?
A: No, usernames are optional.
Q: What if the username I want is not available?
A: There are several reasons:
Your Instagram or Facebook username may already exist and is reserved for the account owner.
Well-known names – including public figures, celebrities, government agencies, and verified accounts – are reserved for the rightful owners.
If a popular name is taken, users can try another option or use a username generator.
Q: What if someone creates a username similar to mine to impersonate me or conduct a scam? How do you stop someone from pretending to be me?
A: Usernames are not available for messaging yet. When this is done, and you receive a message from someone new, we’ll tell you the country of origin, and a warning for first-time contact. Well-known public figures and their likenesses are reserved to authorized owners. We also closely monitor bans and reports to take action against scammers.
Q: Can random people message me if they guess my username?
A: No. Usernames cannot be searched like phone numbers.
To further prevent unwanted communication, WhatsApp offers a username key, which means that the username and key are required to initiate communication.
Existing security tools such as blocking, reporting, and unknown sender warnings will continue.
Q: What is the username key?
A: A security feature that adds an extra layer of protection. Even if someone knows your username, they will need your username key to message you. Users can reset this switch at any time to stop new contacts.
Q: Should I link my Instagram or Facebook accounts?
A: No, the link is optional unless the user wants to have the same username across Instagram and Facebook.
Linking helps confirm ownership, but users can unlink later or choose a WhatsApp username.
Q: Can I change my username later?
A: Yes, as long as the new username is available.
Concerns raised by the Centre
The government said the feature may allow users to adopt usernames that resemble those of bona fide agencies and other entities, potentially enabling impersonation and fraud.
Officials from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Delhi Police raised concerns over anonymity and delayed response timelines in data requests submitted to the platform by law enforcement agencies (LEAs).
A new WhatsApp feature could allow a perpetrator to create a fake impersonation profile to make fraudulent calls, a communications department official said.
“The biggest problem is that it will become difficult for Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) to determine whether the perpetrator is in India or abroad. Tomorrow, anyone can create a WhatsApp account using +1 (US) number, use NIA chief’s photo, adopt a similar username and make fraudulent calls. Earlier, if the number starts with +91, we can at least initiate action. If the number is not available, there is almost no way to solve the problem,” the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) official said on condition of anonymity.
