'Optional, protected, not searchable': WhatsApp clarifies 'Username' feature amid safety concerns
WhatsApp is clarifying its upcoming username feature amidst government concerns about potential fraud and impersonation.
The company assures users usernames are optional and will not be publicly searchable.
Existing popular names are reserved for legitimate owners.
However, the Indian government has asked Meta to halt the rollout until consultations are complete, citing risks of scams and identity spoofing.
India Asks WhatsApp to Halt Username Feature
- Centre asks WhatsApp to pause username rollout over identity theft, fraud concerns Scroll.in —
- India orders WhatsApp to halt username feature over anonymity concerns South China Morning Post —
- India tells WhatsApp to halt usernames roll-out, justify feature or face action The Straits Times —
- Meta says WhatsApp usernames are safeguarded against scams after India flags cybersecurity risks CNBC —
- WhatsApp usernames decoded: Your questions answered, government's concerns explained Times Of India —