Why Govt Finds WhatsApp Username Feature Problematic: ‘Fraud, Digital Arrest, Impersonation’ | Today’s news
The Center issued a notice to Meta on Wednesday, July 1, regarding the controversial username feature on WhatsApp in India. Citing potential risks, the government has warned the platform not to introduce the feature until a consultation on the issue has been completed.
“You have also been directed not to implement this feature until the point is consulted to the satisfaction of the government,” said a notification issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology for WhatsApp.
Read also | WhatsApp’s username feature has fraud protection, says Meta
The ministry notes that the new username feature will allow existing and new WhatsApp users to reserve unique usernames. Once fully activated, the feature allows them to initiate and conduct conversations just by exchanging usernames without revealing their mobile phone numbers, he said.
Why the government considers the WhatsApp username feature problematic
Quick answers to key questions
•5 QUESTIONS
Potential risks include impersonation, fraud, and online fraud, as users could create usernames resembling those of public figures or institutions, making it easier to deceive others.
The Indian government is concerned that the username feature may increase risks for users, including creating false identities and problems for law enforcement agencies in tracking down impersonators.
Users can reserve their usernames by going to “Settings”, then “Account” and finally “Username” in the latest version of WhatsApp.
Yes, businesses should be concerned because this feature can allow the creation of similar-sounding usernames that could lead to impersonation and fraud targeting their customers or clients.
WhatsApp implements several layers of defense, including limiting the number of new contacts an account can reach and reserving certain usernames for verified public figures, ensuring that only legitimate owners can claim them.
The ministry has warned that WhatsApp’s new username feature could facilitate impersonation, fraud and online fraud.
“It is understood that once this feature is enabled, the recipient’s phone number will no longer be visible to the first contact and that an optional ‘username key’ may be set as an additional check,” the ministry’s announcement said.
“We believe this feature can significantly increase the incidence of online fraud, phishing, digital fraud arrests and impersonation attacks by allowing bad actors to solicit and message victims.” – Ministry of Electronics and Information Technologies
The department said the feature can also “facilitate impersonation and identity fraud, including impersonating individuals, public authorities, financial institutions and government agencies, by allowing the adoption of usernames that closely resemble the names of real persons or institutions”.
In the past, cybersecurity experts and startup founders have argued that users can create usernames similar to those of businesses, government agencies or public figures, potentially enabling impersonation, fraud and financial fraud unless robust authentication and anti-abuse measures are in place.
Read also | WhatsApp users can soon choose usernames instead of sharing phone numbers
Paytm founder and CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma wrote on X that similar-sounding usernames could become a vector for impersonation and fraud.
Jasveer Singh, co-founder and CEO of KnotDating, also questioned how the platform would balance user privacy with liability.
WhatsApp is responding
Asked by the government, a WhatsApp spokesperson said: “We have announced the option for people to reserve their preferred username on WhatsApp.”
In response to concerns about impersonation and fraud, a spokesperson said: “To protect against impersonation, we hold the highest profile names – think public figures, government entities, celebrities, verified Meta accounts – so they can only be claimed by their rightful owners, and similar derivatives of well-known names are also held.”
The social media platform clarified that users still need a phone number to use WhatsApp and that “multiple layers of defense against fraud” have been put in place.
Read also | WhatsApp will allow users to reserve usernames from next week
A spokesperson explained: “Other users need to know the exact username in order to message you, we’ll limit how many new people can contact an account, we’ll block repeated attempts to guess someone’s username key, and we’ll have systems in place to detect and remove activity that shows common patterns of impersonation and abuse.”
“When the feature is available and someone sends you a message through your username for the first time, we’ll show you if it’s a new account, if it’s your contact, if you have groups in common, and if they’re based in a different country, so you can decide whether to respond,” the spokesperson said.
They added: “The ability to use a username is not live yet and will be rolled out slowly later this year.”
What is WhatsApp username feature?
The Meta-owned platform recently announced a username feature that will allow users to communicate without sharing their phone numbers.
This feature allows users to reserve their optional usernames by going to “Settings”, then “Account” and “Username” in the latest version of the app.
Meta said that a username is an optional unique identifier that you can choose for your WhatsApp account.
It starts with the ‘@’ symbol (for example @Name123) and can be used by others to message or call the person, keeping their phone number private.
Read also | Kunal Shah will lead WhatsApp while Meta bites Credo
Your username is different from your display name (the name that appears on your profile). The display name may not be unique, but the username is.
According to Meta, people who don’t have a person number saved will see their username by default.
This also applies to when they participate in group chats, directly message someone or call on WhatsApp.
Their username always appears with the @ symbol at the beginning. This makes it easy for others to tell the difference between their username, display name and phone number.
Meta says usernames are unique for each account. If the desired username is already taken, he will have to choose another one.
Some usernames are held for businesses, governments or public figures and cannot be claimed by others.
