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WhatsApp Username Feature: Government’s eye on the new feature, investigation started on the possibility of fake identity and online fraud.
Samira Vishwas | July 2, 2026 3:24 AM CST

New Delhi. WhatsApp’s proposed ‘Username Feature’ The central government has become alert regarding this. The government is reviewing this new feature and investigating whether it can be used for online fraud, cyber fraud or to mislead people by creating fake identities.

According to government sources, the central government may soon ask for detailed information regarding this feature from WhatsApp. For this, sending a notice to the company is also being considered. The government wants to know how the new feature will work, what are the potential risks associated with it and what security measures the company has taken to prevent misuse. If necessary, investigating agencies can also investigate this matter.

Sources say that the government wants to ensure that this feature does not have any adverse impact on national security, public safety or the interests of the common people. If the company’s response is not satisfactory, the government can also consider the legal options available to stop its implementation.

Actually, WhatsApp is preparing to launch such a feature by the end of this year, under which users can only send messages without sharing their mobile number. username Will be able to chat through. The company has started the facility to reserve username, while the feature will be officially released later.

WhatsApp says that the purpose of this feature is to improve the privacy of users especially during group chats and conversations with new people, so that they do not have to share their mobile number.

However, government officials and cybersecurity experts are concerned that some people may choose usernames that are too similar to the name of a government department, company, bank, or celebrity. This may confuse common users and increase incidents like online fraud or identity theft.

closer to whatsapp in india 50 crore users Therefore, the government is taking extra caution regarding this feature. social media platform x But many startup founders, cyber security experts and technology professionals have raised questions about this feature.

Founder and CEO of Paytm Vijay Shekhar Sharma has warned that if strong verification mechanisms are not put in place, look-alike usernames can become a major cause of identity theft and cyber scams. There itself not dating Founder and CEO of Jasbir Singh Said that ensuring accountability along with privacy is equally important.

Experts believe that if a strong system of username verification is not made, then fraudsters can easily make people their victims by adopting names similar to real companies, government agencies or famous personalities.

What is the new Username Feature of WhatsApp?

WhatsApp by the end of this year Username Feature Preparing to launch. Through this feature, users will be able to chat only through username without sharing mobile number. The company has started the facility to reserve username, while the feature will be released to all users in a phased manner. The government and cyber experts are currently reviewing the security aspects and possible misuse of this feature.

Benefits of Username Feature
  1. There will be facility to chat without sharing mobile number.
  2. Privacy will be better when doing group chats and connecting with new people.
  3. The risk of personal numbers becoming public may be reduced.
  4. Claims to make online conversations more convenient and secure.
Username Feature Disadvantages
  1. Identity theft can occur by creating fake or similar usernames.
  2. Names of government agencies, companies or celebrities may increase the risk of fraud.
  3. New methods of cyber fraud and online scams may emerge.
  4. Common people may get confused if there is no strong system of username verification.
  5. The government is cautious about the potential impact on public and national security.


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