CALIFORNIA (Kashmir English): WhatsApp just began allowing users to reserve usernames as the company prepares for its wider availability later this year.
However, the latest features are already prompting concerns about scammers using fake usernames to impersonate others, from public figures to banks to government institutions.
As the messaging platform rolls out its ability to let users find and message each other by way of their usernames rather than their phone numbers, which will presumably help users get better at hiding who they really are, Meta claims that “this helps increase our users’ control over their own communications while improving user privacy,” according to a blog post announcing the changes today.
But even after the feature is widely rolled out, security experts and Indian regulators fear that it will give scammers more avenues to commit crimes ranging from phishing schemes targeting consumers to scams against corporations. And India remains WhatsApp’s single biggest market, with more than 500 million users there.
Introducing usernames completely changes the way we identify and reach out to each other on WhatsApp; the phone number has been the main point of identification on this service to date. In the new setup, you’ll be able to talk more frequently with your friends using usernames handled by WhatsApp.
The hundreds of millions who use Meta-owned WhatsApp messenger to chat with friends, family, or businesses will no longer need to share phone numbers under an upcoming update, the company said on Monday.
Instead, users will be able to pick unique usernames to share with others, in a move “designed to protect the privacy of your phone number,” WhatsApp said in a statement.
According to the company, restricting access to phone numbers would mean they are not shared automatically in cases such as being added to a large group chat or messaging a person or business for the first time.
WhatsApp statement
What’s more, “there’s no directory to browse and no suggestions, so people need to know your exact username to contact you,” Meta said.
As with other social media services, the sheer number of people —over three billion as per Meta claims — using WhatsApp means many may not get their first choice of handle.
Meta said it would gradually roll out username reservations globally “over the coming months”, notifying users in each country when they open there.
Meanwhile, “creators, small businesses and organisations” will be allowed to claim WhatsApp usernames that they already use on fellow Meta products, Instagram or Facebook.
