WhatsApp has defended its proposed username feature after receiving a notice from the Government of India over concerns that the new system could increase online scams, impersonation and cyber-enabled financial fraud.
The company said the feature has not yet been launched and will be introduced gradually later this year after further preparation and safety checks. The government has asked Meta not to roll out the feature until consultations are completed to its satisfaction.
Government Seeks Explanation From Meta
The Centre issued the notice amid concerns that username-based communication could make it easier for fraudsters to impersonate genuine individuals, government departments, financial institutions and public authorities.
Authorities have reportedly sought a detailed explanation from Meta within three days and directed the company not to introduce the feature before completing consultations with the government.
The notice specifically raised concerns around phishing, digital arrest scams, identity spoofing and other cyber fraud risks.
WhatsApp Says Feature Will Be Optional
In its response, WhatsApp said the proposed feature will allow users to reserve a unique username for their accounts.
The company clarified that usernames will be optional and will begin with the “@” symbol. Unlike display names, which are not unique, usernames will be unique identifiers.
According to Meta, the feature is intended to allow users to communicate without publicly sharing their phone numbers, improving privacy for users who do not want to reveal mobile numbers in every interaction.
Phone Number Will Still Be Mandatory
WhatsApp clarified that even after usernames become available, a valid mobile phone number will remain mandatory for creating and using an account.
This means usernames will not replace phone-number-based account registration. Instead, they will provide an additional way for people to connect while keeping phone numbers private.
The company also said users will not be able to search broadly for usernames. A person must know the exact username before initiating contact.
Meta Claims Multiple Anti-Abuse Safeguards
WhatsApp said it has designed several safeguards to prevent misuse of the feature.
The company stated that usernames linked to high-profile individuals, government bodies, public authorities, celebrities and verified Meta accounts have been reserved so that only legitimate owners can claim them.
It also said usernames closely resembling well-known names have been restricted to reduce impersonation risks.
In addition, WhatsApp plans to limit the number of new users an account can contact, block repeated username-guessing attempts and use automated systems to detect suspicious behaviour linked to scams, impersonation and abuse.
First-Message Safety Indicators Planned
WhatsApp said users receiving a first message through a username will see additional context before responding.
These indicators may include whether the sender is a new account, whether the sender is saved as a contact, whether both users share common groups and whether the sender appears to be located in another country.
The company said these signals are intended to help users assess the credibility of unknown senders and avoid suspicious interactions.
Experts Call for Strong Verification Before Rollout
Cybercrime experts say username-based communication may improve privacy, but it also requires strong identity verification and continuous monitoring.
Fraudsters often misuse names of trusted institutions, officials and public figures to manipulate victims. If usernames create confusion between genuine and fake identities, they could become a new tool for phishing, digital arrest scams and financial fraud.
Technology platforms and large digital businesses can reduce such risks by strengthening platform governance, user verification and independent security reviews supported by auditing services in india.
Conclusion
WhatsApp’s proposed username feature reflects the growing demand for privacy-focused communication, but the government’s concerns highlight the risks of impersonation and cyber fraud in a country with massive messaging-app usage.
The final rollout will likely depend on how convincingly Meta addresses India’s concerns around identity spoofing, scam prevention and user safety.
Shunyatax Global Insight
Digital platforms are no longer judged only by convenience; they are increasingly evaluated on trust, accountability and fraud-prevention readiness. A feature that improves privacy can still create risk if criminals exploit it for impersonation or social engineering.
Shunyatax Global believes major technology platforms should adopt strong pre-launch risk assessments, misuse simulations, identity-protection controls and continuous compliance monitoring. Independent auditing services in india can help digital businesses review platform safeguards, assess fraud vulnerabilities and build governance systems that protect users before new features are scaled nationwide.