WhatsApp issues clarification on usernames, says only legitimate owners can claim protected names

WhatsApp has dismissed claims that users are reserving popular or high-profile usernames ahead of the rollout of its new username feature, saying that names associated with public figures can only be claimed by their legitimate owners. The clarification comes as the Indian government continues to examine the feature over concerns related to impersonation, fraud and cybercrime.The Meta-owned messaging platform issued a detailed set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to address growing criticism surrounding the feature, which will allow users to connect via usernames instead of sharing phone numbers.Also read: Govt asks Meta to pause WhatsApp Usernames rollout in India; company says feature is not yet liveIn the FAQs, WhatsApp said claims about people reserving well-known usernames are inaccurate. “People are making false claims about reserving popular or well-known usernames — this isn't true. Only the legitimate account owners are able to reserve well-known public-figure names,” the company said.The clarification follows a notice issued by the Centre to Meta, directing the company not to launch the feature until consultations with the government are completed. Authorities have expressed concerns that usernames could potentially make it easier for scammers to impersonate individuals and contact victims through phishing, fraud and so-called digital arrest schemes.The government has asked Meta to provide a detailed explanation of the safeguards built into the feature and has reminded the company of its obligations as a significant social media intermediary under the Information Technology Act and associated regulations.WhatsApp has sought to reassure users by outlining several protections. As per the FAQs, usernames will be optional and not searchable by strangers. The company also said it has reserved the names of public figures, celebrities, government entities and Meta-verified accounts so that only verified owners can claim them.The platform added that users who link their Instagram or Facebook accounts may be able to claim matching usernames, providing an additional layer of ownership verification. The company said it will also monitor reports and account blocks to identify and act against impersonation and scam attempts.The controversy gained attention after several prominent individuals claimed that variations of their names had already been taken during the reservation process.According to reports, former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and MobiKwik co-founder Bipin Preet Singh publicly raised concerns after discovering that multiple versions of their names were unavailable.