01 July,2026 10:25 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Meta clarified that users will still require a phone number to use WhatsApp and that it has incorporated multiple safeguards to prevent scams involving usernames. Representational pic
WhatsApp on Wednesday said it has reserved high-profile usernames for legitimate owners to prevent impersonation after the Centre asked Meta to explain its proposed username feature and refrain from rolling it out in India until consultations with the government are completed.
According to IANS sources, the Centre has sought a detailed explanation from Meta regarding the feature and directed the company to submit its response within three days.
The government has also asked Meta not to launch the "usernames" feature in India until consultations on the matter are completed, the sources added.
Responding to the concerns, a WhatsApp spokesperson said the company has announced the option for users to reserve their preferred usernames on the platform.
"The ability to use a username is not yet live and will roll out slowly later this year. To protect against impersonation, we've held the highest-profile names - think public figures, government entities, celebrities, verified Meta accounts - so they can only ever be claimed by their legitimate owners and lookalike derivatives of known names are held as well," the spokesperson said.
The company clarified that users will still require a phone number to use WhatsApp and that it has incorporated multiple safeguards to prevent scams involving usernames.
"Other users need to know the exact username to message you, we will limit how many new people an account can contact, block repeated attempts to guess someone's username key, and have systems to detect and remove activity showing common impersonation and abuse patterns," the spokesperson said.
WhatsApp added that when the feature becomes available, users receiving a message for the first time through a username will be shown whether the sender is using a new account, is already a contact, shares common groups or is based in a different country, enabling them to decide whether to respond.
Earlier in the day, sources said messaging platforms could be held accountable if new features create opportunities for fraud, amid growing concerns over WhatsApp's recently announced username feature.
According to the sources, messaging platforms such as WhatsApp must ensure that their products are not misused for impersonation or the spread of misinformation. The username feature is intended to enhance user privacy by allowing people to interact without sharing their phone numbers.
However, cyber-security experts have cautioned that the feature could increase the risk of impersonation and scams if adequate safeguards are not in place, underscoring the need for strong anti-abuse measures to protect millions of users in India.
(With IANS inputs)
