Punjab Newsline | New Delhi
Central Government is set to review WhatsApp's upcoming username feature amid concerns that it could lead to a rise in cyber fraud and identity-based scams. According to PTI, officials believe the new feature may allow fraudsters to conceal their identities more easily, making it difficult to verify genuine users.
WhatsApp's parent company, Meta, recently introduced a username-based messaging feature that allows users to chat with new contacts without sharing their mobile numbers. Instead of using a phone number, users can connect through unique usernames.
Government officials said the feature will undergo a detailed examination before its wider adoption in India. Authorities are particularly concerned that hiding phone numbers could make it easier for scammers to create fake accounts using someone else's identity, increasing the risk of phishing, impersonation, and financial fraud.
With more than 500 million WhatsApp users in India, the government aims to ensure that adequate safety measures are in place to prevent fake profiles and protect users from cybercrime.
Meta began rolling out username registration globally on June 29, but the feature will not be available to all users at once. It will be introduced in phases over the coming months, and users will receive an in-app notification when the feature becomes available in their region.
