WhatsApp Username Feature Under Govt Scanner Over Identity Fraud, Scam Concerns

The Indian government is exploring legal and regulatory avenues to review WhatsApp’s upcoming username feature following rising concerns over potential identity fraud, impersonation, and digital scams, sources close to the development said on Wednesday. The security review comes just days after the Meta-owned messaging platform introduced early reservations for unique usernames globally-a feature designed to enhance user privacy by allowing communication without sharing phone numbers.

Government Raises Red Flags Over Identity Fraud

Government officials are actively studying the existing legal frameworks to evaluate whether the rollout can be regulated or if specific mandatory safeguards must be imposed on the platform before the feature goes live. According to official sources, the system, in its current architectural state, could make it easier for malicious actors to impersonate private individuals, major brands, financial institutions, and government entities. WhatsApp Username Feature Now Available in India; Know How To Create.

Officials have made it clear that messaging platforms will be held directly accountable if their product updates create new loopholes for cybercriminals. "Platforms must ensure their architecture is not used to create mischief," a government official stated, adding that any misuse through unverified or lookalike usernames could invite firm regulatory action, drawing parallels to measures previously taken against other encrypted chat applications.

Privacy Feature vs. Public Safety Risks

The platform’s transition from phone numbers to usernames is intended to close a critical privacy loophole. By hiding mobile numbers, the feature is designed to protect billions of global users from common vulnerabilities such as contact scraping and SIM-swapping attacks.

However, tech sector leaders and cybersecurity experts have warned that removing visible phone numbers also eliminates a primary layer of identity verification. Critics point out that the encrypted nature of the platform means users inherently trust the identity behind a handle. If scammers manage to create lookalike usernames that closely mimic public figures or corporations, they could smoothly execute financial scams, solicit funds, or spread misinformation with minimal oversight. How To Create WhatsApp Username To Chat Without Sharing Phone Number.

Tech Experts Signal Early Signs of 'Name-Squatting'

The government's scrutiny aligns with immediate online pushback from prominent tech founders and users who noticed loopholes during the initial username reservation phase. Several users reported that variants of high-profile names, political figures, and major brands were being aggressively claimed by unauthorized accounts.  Tech experts argue that passive reservation lists are insufficient for a country with WhatsApp's massive user base. They emphasize that without active verification badges and rapid takedown systems, the feature could replicate the spam and fraud issues historically seen on username-based platforms like Telegram.

Meta Outlines Multi-Layered Security Defenses

Responding to the regulatory and public concern, a Meta spokesperson clarified that the username system includes layered anti-abuse protections designed to detect and block identity theft. Meta confirmed that systems are in place to automatically reserve usernames for verified public figures, celebrities, and official government entities.

Additionally, the company stated that it will deploy automated systems to track abusive account behavior, limit how many new individuals an account can message via a username search, and implement algorithmic protections to block repeated username-guessing attempts. The feature is scheduled for a wider public rollout later this year.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 01, 2026 04:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).