WhatsApp has shared an FAQ (Frequently Answered Questions) on the ‘username reservations’ feature that would be rolled out soon across the globe. It follows the public backlash, where many prominent personalities
have raised concerns over privacy and the risk of duplication and scams.
In a post on X, the Meta-owned messaging platform said usernames will be optional, meaning users can continue using WhatsApp with their phone numbers if they choose. The company said the feature is being introduced to give people a more private way to connect without having to share their mobile numbers.
Responding to concerns that scammers could create usernames similar to those of celebrities, influencers or government officials, WhatsApp said it has reserved the names of well-known public figures, celebrities, government entities and Meta-verified accounts. These usernames, along with certain variations, can only be claimed by their legitimate owners.
Users To Get Sender’s Country Origin And First-Time Contact Warning
The company also said usernames are not yet available for messaging. Once the feature goes live, users receiving a message from someone they have never interacted with will see information such as the sender’s country of origin and a first-time contact warning. WhatsApp said it will also continue monitoring user reports and blocks to detect and act against scammers.
Username Key: Additional Security
To prevent unwanted contact, WhatsApp is introducing a username key, an additional security layer that requires a sender to know both a user’s username and their unique key before initiating contact. Users will be able to reset the key at any time.
The company added that usernames cannot be searched on WhatsApp, similar to how phone numbers cannot be searched. Users who want the same username as their Instagram or Facebook account will need to link those accounts during the reservation process, although they can unlink them later.
