Why India Is Worried About WhatsApp's New Username Feature

For years, your phone number has been your identity on WhatsApp. It helped friends find you, businesses contact you, and users verify who they were talking to. But that could soon change. WhatsApp is preparing to introduce usernames, allowing people to connect without sharing their mobile numbers. While the feature promises greater privacy, it has also sparked serious concerns in India. The government fears it could make impersonation, phishing, and online scams easier, raising a crucial question does more privacy always mean better security?




WhatsApp's planned username feature is designed to let users communicate without revealing their phone numbers. Instead of sharing personal contact details, people will be able to search for and connect using unique usernames. The idea is to improve privacy, especially in group chats and business conversations. However, before the feature could roll out in India, it attracted the government's attention over concerns that the shift might unintentionally create new opportunities for online fraud and impersonation.





The Indian government has asked Meta to explain how the username feature will work and has requested that it not be launched until consultations are complete. Officials are reviewing whether existing laws are sufficient to address potential misuse. Authorities believe changing from phone number-based identities to platform-managed usernames could make it harder for users to verify who they are communicating with, increasing concerns around phishing, spoofing, and digital arrest scams.

Many cybersecurity experts believe usernames may create fresh opportunities for impersonation. Fraudsters can easily create names that closely resemble celebrities, businesses, or even people users know personally. Unlike phone numbers, which can often be verified through a call, usernames rely entirely on platform controls. Experts warn that even small spelling differences may confuse users, making it easier for scammers to trick people into sharing personal or financial information.

Meta insists the username feature has not yet been launched and will roll out gradually later this year. According to the company, several security measures are already planned. Users will need to know the exact username to initiate contact, messaging limits will apply to unknown users, repeated username guessing will be restricted, and automated systems will detect suspicious behaviour. First-time messages will also display information cards showing account details to help users identify potential risks.

The new feature offers genuine advantages. Users will no longer need to reveal personal phone numbers during business discussions, online purchases, or group conversations. This can reduce unwanted calls and spam. However, as digital identities move away from visible phone numbers, experts believe stronger verification systems will become essential. Verified accounts, identity checks, and greater user awareness may play a much bigger role in building trust on messaging platforms.

Banks, government agencies, and businesses currently depend on phone numbers as one layer of identity verification. With usernames replacing visible numbers, organisations may need to adopt stronger authentication methods such as verified business profiles, digital signatures, and official badges. Experts believe customer education will also become increasingly important, ensuring users know how to identify genuine accounts and avoid fake profiles created by cybercriminals.

Whether usernames launch soon or later, one fact remains unchanged users are the first line of defence against scams. Never trust a profile based only on its username. Always verify requests involving money or personal information through another trusted channel. Report suspicious accounts immediately, enable two-step verification, and stay alert to unfamiliar messages. Technology can improve privacy, but safe online habits remain the most effective protection against digital fraud.

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1. Why is the Indian government concerned about WhatsApp's username feature?
The government fears that replacing phone numbers with usernames could make impersonation, phishing, spoofing, and other online scams easier by making it harder to verify a user's identity.
2. Has WhatsApp's username feature been launched in India?
No. Meta has confirmed that the username feature has not yet been rolled out. It will be introduced gradually later, subject to ongoing consultations with the Indian government.
3. How will WhatsApp usernames work?
Users will be able to reserve a unique username and connect with others without sharing their phone number. Usernames will begin with the "@" symbol and cannot consist entirely of numbers.
4. Waht safety measures is WhatsApp introducing?
WhatsApp says it will limit messages from unknown users, block repeated attempts to guess usernames, detect suspicious activity, and display information cards for first-time messages from unknown accounts.
5. What are experts worried about?
Cybersecurity experts believe lookalike usernames could make it easier for fraudsters to impersonate individuals, businesses, or public figures, increasing the risk of scams and identity fraud.
6. How can users protect themselves if usernames are introduced?
Users should verify unknown contacts before responding, avoid sharing personal or financial information with unverified accounts, enable two-step verification, and report suspicious profiles immediately.