Meta-owned WhatsApp has released a detailed set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) on its upcoming username feature, outlining safeguards to prevent impersonation, fraud, and unwanted contact as users begin reserving usernames ahead of the feature's rollout later this year.
Government Concerns and WhatsApp's Response
The clarification came a day after the Centre issued a notice to Meta, asking it to furnish a detailed explanation on the feature within three days. Expressing concerns over potential fraud and impersonation risks, the government advised the company not to roll it out until consultations were completed to its satisfaction. WhatsApp's FAQs aim to address these concerns by detailing the protective measures in place.
Optional and Unsearchable by Strangers
The new feature will allow users to connect on WhatsApp using unique usernames instead of sharing their phone numbers. According to WhatsApp, the feature would be optional and unsearchable by strangers. The company also said users could add an additional 'username key', requiring both the username and the key before someone could contact them.
Impersonation Prevention Measures
To curb impersonation, WhatsApp said it had reserved names of public figures, celebrities, government entities, and Meta-verified accounts so that they could only be claimed by their legitimate owners. Users who wished to use the same username as their Instagram or Facebook account could do so by linking the accounts to verify ownership, after which they could unlink them if they chose, it said.
Monitoring and Scam Prevention
The platform also said it would closely monitor 'blocks and reports' to detect and act against scammers, while cautioning that claims about reserving popular or well-known usernames were false. Only legitimate account owners could claim protected names, it said.
