New Delhi, July 1: WhatsApp’s proposed username feature has raised concerns among experts and users, who believe the new offering could trigger a surge in impersonation, spoofing, and financial fraud.
Analysts caution that moving to platform-managed identities removes a crucial layer of accountability. Some users, like MobiKwik CEO Bipin Preet Singh, found that close variations of their names were already taken up during the early username reservation phase.
The concerns come in the wake of WhatsApp’s announcement of the introduction of usernames on the messaging platform, a feature that will allow people to communicate without sharing their phone numbers.
The company has opened early reservations for usernames, which will be officially rolled out later this year.
WhatsApp said 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.
The government is examining the legal framework and provisions in the law as it scrutinises WhatsApp’s proposed username feature over fraud and impersonation concerns, according to sources.
The government is likely to send a notice to WhatsApp seeking full details about the features and question its implications and the company’s plans. Law enforcement agencies may also examine the issue, an official said.
WhatsApp’s latest move has also triggered widespread concerns.
Faisal Kawoosa, Chief Analyst and Founder at Techarc, noted that while phone numbers offer a layer of verification, usernames can be misleading.
“While celebrity names have been reserved, it’s still easy to impersonate, and we have seen how verified accounts have worked on X. Fraudsters can easily use some variations which commoners won’t be able to catch easily,” Kawoosa said, adding that public trust in WhatsApp as a safe platform for communication is likely to decline.
Calling the feature “both a boon and a bane”, Abhilash Kumar, Lead Research Advisor at Smart Analytics Global, said it will reduce the chances of ending up on spam lists.
“Users will no longer need to share their primary contact number for every business discussion or negotiation, helping protect their privacy and reducing the chances of ending up on cold-calling or spam lists.” However, he warned that it could dilute identity authenticity. (PTI)
