New Delhi: WhatsApp is introducing usernames, allowing users to connect without sharing their mobile numbers—a move expected to enhance privacy, particularly in countries like India where phone numbers are closely linked to personal and financial identities.
The feature, long available on rival messaging platform Telegram, is designed to let users communicate through unique usernames instead of revealing their phone numbers.
Why WhatsApp is introducing usernames
For years, WhatsApp relied exclusively on phone numbers to identify users. With the upcoming feature, users will be able to create unique usernames that others can use to initiate conversations without accessing their mobile numbers.
Cybersecurity experts say the change could significantly improve privacy, especially in India, where phone numbers are often linked to Aadhaar, bank accounts, UPI services and various government records.
By sharing a username instead of a phone number, users may reduce the amount of personal information exposed during first-time interactions.
Greater privacy for everyday conversations
Experts believe the feature will be particularly useful in situations where users need to remain accessible without revealing their personal contact details.
These include neighbourhood groups, school or parent communities, housing society groups, networking events, online marketplaces and temporary project collaborations.
The feature could also benefit freelancers, consultants, entrepreneurs and small business owners who currently maintain separate phone numbers to keep personal and professional communications apart.
With usernames, many users may no longer need a second SIM card solely for privacy purposes.
Government likely to examine the feature
According to reports, the Indian government is expected to review WhatsApp’s username feature before or during its rollout.
Officials are reportedly expected to assess whether sufficient safeguards are in place to prevent misuse by cybercriminals, including impersonation, spam and online fraud.
If concerns are identified during the review, Meta may be asked to explain the feature or implement additional security measures.
Concerns over misuse
Cybersecurity specialists acknowledge that flexible identity systems can potentially be exploited for spam, impersonation or fraudulent activity.
However, WhatsApp has indicated that the feature will include several safeguards to minimise such risks.
According to the company, there will be no searchable public directory of usernames, no automatic username suggestions and users will need to know a person’s exact username before initiating contact.
WhatsApp is also expected to introduce an optional username key, providing users with greater control over who can reach them.
Could help reduce SIM swap fraud
Experts also suggest that usernames may indirectly reduce certain forms of cybercrime, including SIM swap fraud.
In such scams, fraudsters fraudulently obtain control of a victim’s mobile number to intercept one-time passwords (OTPs) and gain access to banking and digital payment accounts.
While usernames do not eliminate the risk because the phone number remains linked to the account, reducing the frequency with which users share their numbers could make them less attractive targets over time.
Adoption will determine success
Industry observers believe the feature’s long-term success will depend on how widely users adopt it.
Initially, usernames are expected to gain popularity among users who prioritise privacy in professional networking, business communications and community groups.
Broader adoption is likely to depend on how easy the feature is to set up and whether users perceive clear privacy benefits over the traditional phone number-based system.
As WhatsApp rolls out usernames globally, the feature is expected to mark one of the platform’s most significant privacy-focused updates in recent years.