Indian government to investigate WhatsApp’s username feature:Concerns over possibility of Telegram-like misuse and fraud

The central government will investigate WhatsApp’s new username feature. According to news agency PTI, this feature could significantly increase the risk of fraud and cyber fraud by concealing identity.
Parent company Meta had launched a feature in its instant messaging app that allows users to chat without revealing their mobile number. With this, people can chat with a new person using only their username. According to officials, the government will closely examine WhatsApp’s upcoming username feature. The concern is that when users are given the freedom to hide their phone numbers, it could become easier for fraudsters to create fake accounts in someone else’s name and deceive people. WhatsApp has over 500 million users in India. To ensure the security of such a large user base and prevent fraud from fake profiles, the government wants to test the safety standards of the new feature. The username feature was launched three days ago The company started booking usernames worldwide on June 29. However, this facility will not be available to all users simultaneously. It will be gradually rolled out in all countries in the coming months. When this feature is available in the user’s area, they will receive a notification inside their WhatsApp. First, know why it is important to book a username early Millions of users worldwide can choose similar or identical usernames. In such a situation, those who reserve their username first will have a higher chance of getting their preferred username. WhatsApp Head Kunal Shah wrote on X Timing is everything. Join WhatsApp before this feature is released worldwide and secure your username. Now is the time to get the username of your choice. A more private way to connect with people is coming soon to your WhatsApp. What will change with this new feature? After the username feature is introduced, in some situations, the phone number will not automatically appear. These include: This change will keep your phone number private. It will only be visible when you choose to share it yourself. Questions and Answers Related to the WhatsApp Username Feature That You Need to Know 1. Why did WhatsApp introduce the Username Feature?
WhatsApp says that sometimes people want to chat with a new person but don’t want to share their mobile number. For example, when talking to someone met at a networking event, a new classmate, a neighbor, or other parents from children’s school/sports groups, it’s important to maintain privacy. In such cases, now only the username can be shared instead of the mobile number. 2. What are the rules for creating a username?
The username will be 3 to 35 characters long. It can only use a-z (lowercase English letters), 0-9 (digits), dot (.) and underscore (_). Every username will be completely unique. It can be changed, removed, or updated if needed. 3. Will the mobile number not be fully visible?
Yes, but only for those who contact you for the first time. If you have set a username, a new person will not be able to see your mobile number. However, a mobile number will remain necessary as before to create and use a WhatsApp account. People who already have your number saved will be able to chat with you as before. 4. Will anyone be able to find a number by searching for a username?
No. WhatsApp will not create a public username directory. The company will also not suggest your username to any other user. A person will only be able to send you a message if they know your correct username. 5. What is Username Key?
WhatsApp is also introducing a new optional security feature called Username Key. This security code will work like a PIN. If the user enables it, an unknown person will not be able to message you just by knowing your username.
The person sending a message for the first time will first have to enter this Key.
Only then will the chat be able to start. Users will also be able to change this Key whenever they want. Its purpose is to reduce spam and unwanted messages. 6. What will be the impact on old chats and contacts?
Existing chats, contacts, and groups will work as before. For people who already have your number, nothing will change. All security features like end-to-end encryption, block, and report will continue to work as before. 7. What will be the biggest advantage of this feature?
There will be no need to share mobile numbers to talk to new people. Users’ privacy will be stronger than before. It will help reduce spam and unwanted messages. It will be easier for creators and businesses to maintain a consistent digital identity across Meta’s different platforms. These people will not need a username to contact you ​