Govt to assess fraud ‘risks’ of WhatsApp's username feature; MeitY to call Meta for talks: ‘Larger issue is…’

The government is reportedly looking into WhatsApp's planned username feature amid concerns it could be misused for impersonation and fraud. Sources told PTI that the government will assess potential risks.

They noted that the Meta-owned platform's latest announcement introducing usernames, a feature that will allow users to communicate without sharing their phone numbers, raises concerns.

Meanwhile, the Hindustan Times reported that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is set to hold consultations with WhatsApp over its upcoming feature.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is expected to soon call Meta and WhatsApp for a consultation to discuss concerns surrounding the rollout of usernames.

An official in the Department of Telecommunications told HT that the new WhatsApp feature could allow a perpetrator to create a fake profile to impersonate and make fraudulent calls.

“The larger issue is that it will become difficult for law enforcement agencies (LEAs) to determine whether the perpetrator is in India or overseas," the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) official was quoted as saying.

"Tomorrow, someone could create a WhatsApp account using a +1 (US) number, use the NIA chief’s photograph, adopt a similar username and make fraudulent calls. Earlier, if the number began with +91, we could at least initiate action. If the number isn’t available, there is virtually no way to resolve it,” the official said.

According to the report, the official also flagged WhatsApp’s response time to law enforcement requests, noting that the platform can take anywhere from 5 days to an indefinite period to respond.

“WhatsApp does not provide data immediately, which makes investigations even more complicated,” the official said.

A senior Delhi Police cybercrime official echoed the concerns, saying WhatsApp’s move would make it harder for investigators to identify suspects as users could remain anonymous.

The official added that WhatsApp appears to be following the approach adopted by Telegram and Signal, both of which allow users to interact through usernames instead of exposing their phone numbers.

What's the new WhatsApp feature?

The feature allows users to reserve their optional usernames by navigating to 'Settings', followed by 'Account' and 'Username' on the latest version of the app.

The platform also introduced a username generator to assist users in picking a unique handle.

To help content creators, small businesses and organisations maintain a consistent online presence, the platform has provided an option for them to claim their existing Instagram or Facebook usernames on WhatsApp.

The company has opened early reservations for usernames, which will be officially rolled out later this year.

"Starting this week, you can reserve a username to use later this year when we launch this feature," WhatsApp said in a blog post.

The messaging app clarified that there will be no public directory to browse username suggestions.

"People will need to know your exact username to contact you for the first time. To help control who can reach you on WhatsApp with your username, we've built an optional username key that others will need to know to message you," the blog post stated. ​

Once the feature is fully launched, users who have enabled a username will no longer have their phone numbers visible when messaging a person or business for the first time.

The feature will be rolled out gradually over the coming months, and users will receive in-app notifications when it becomes available in their respective countries, the company said.

What's the concern?

The WhatsApp feature may allow users to adopt usernames resembling those of bona fide agencies and other entities, potentially enabling impersonation and fraud, sources told PTI.

They said the feature could have adverse implications for public safety and society.

The government will not compromise on national security or public safety, the sources added.

According to the messaging platform, the move is aimed at enhancing user privacy, particularly in group chats or when connecting with new acquaintances, by eliminating the need to exchange phone numbers.

Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma was among those who have flagged the potential misuse of usernames on WhatsApp.

“Soon you will have verified username on WhatsApp, and then unverified similar-sounding usernames….which in turn will…,” Sharma said in a post on X.

Entrepreneur Ankur Warikoo expressed similar concerns about fake usernames that could resemble a well-known person or business.

“In a country such as India, this could be a disaster, if the right anti-abuse systems are not set up by WhatsApp. Imagine receiving a message from warikoo / awarikoo / ankurwarikooo / ankur_warikoo / a_warikoo / ankurwarikooofficial etc etc - soliciting money,” he pointed out.

Prashant Mali, a Mumbai-based Cyber and Privacy lawyer, also pointed out that though usernames could ensure privacy, they could easily be misused.

“With usernames, the identity of a user becomes more like social media, easier to remember, but also easier to imitate,” Mali told LiveMint.