The Central government is set to closely examine WhatsApp’s upcoming username-based messaging feature amid concerns that it could be exploited by cybercriminals, even as Meta promotes it as one of the platform’s biggest privacy upgrades in recent years.
According to reports, the Centre will assess the privacy and security implications of WhatsApp’s new User ID feature before or during its rollout in India. If officials identify any potential risks or irregularities, Meta could be asked to explain the feature or implement additional safeguards.
One of the government’s key concerns is that replacing phone numbers with usernames may make it more difficult for law enforcement agencies to identify users during criminal investigations. With online fraud and digital scams on the rise, authorities are evaluating whether the feature strikes the right balance between user privacy and public safety.
WhatsApp recently confirmed that usernames will begin rolling out globally over the coming months. The optional feature will allow users to connect by sharing a unique username instead of revealing their phone number, particularly in group chats or while messaging someone for the first time.
Users will have the flexibility to reserve, modify, or remove their usernames whenever they choose, while existing safety features such as blocking and reporting suspicious accounts will remain unchanged.
Explaining the update, WhatsApp said the feature is designed to offer users greater privacy and control over how they interact on the platform. Usernames can contain between 3 and 35 characters and may include lowercase letters, numbers, periods (.) and underscores (_), but must include at least one alphabet. Spaces, special symbols, and terms such as “www,” “.com,” and “.net” are not permitted.
To reserve a username, users need to update WhatsApp to the latest version, open Settings, select Account, tap Username, and choose an available ID. Initially, usernames can only be created through the mobile app, with desktop and web support expected at a later stage.
WhatsApp has clarified that usernames are entirely optional. Users who don’t create one can continue using the app as before.
For people who do not have your phone number saved, your username will appear by default in chats, calls, and group conversations with an @ symbol. However, contacts who have already saved your phone number will continue to see your existing contact name and number.
Users can also generate a QR code or share a direct link to make it easier for others to connect using their username.
If a user later decides to delete their username, WhatsApp says their phone number will once again become visible to people who interact with them, making the feature completely reversible at any time.
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