WhatsApp Denies Claims of Popular Usernames Being Reserved, Says Only Legitimate Owners Can Claim Them

WhatsApp has denied claims that users are claiming popular or high-profile usernames ahead of the launch of its upcoming username feature, saying that names associated with public figures can only be claimed by their true owners.

The clarification comes as the Indian government continues to review the feature for its potential misuse for impersonation, fraud and cyber crime.

The Meta-owned messaging platform has introduced a comprehensive set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) in an attempt to counter criticism over the feature that allows users to connect with each other via usernames and not phone numbers.

WhatsApp also said in the FAQs that claims that popular usernames were already taken are false.

"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.

Also Read: KFC India launches Double Chicken Dynamite, blends Zinger fillets with Korean noodles

Security Safeguards:

This comes after the Centre served a notice to Meta not to launch the feature till the time consultations with the government are completed.

Authorities said usernames can make it easier for scammers to impersonate people and reach victims through phishing scams, financial fraud and so-called digital arrest schemes.

The government has asked Meta to explain the safeguards built into the feature and reminded the company of its obligations as a significant social media intermediary under the Information Technology Act and related rules.

To allay those concerns, WhatsApp outlined multiple security features in its FAQs.

Usernames will be optional and not searchable by strangers, the firm said. It said that usernames associated with celebrities, public figures, government organisations and Meta verified accounts have been reserved so that only the rightful owners can claim them.

Also Read: Mastercard Launches ‘Sirf Card Nahi, Mastercard’ Campaign to Highlight Everyday Payment Benefits

Identity Verification:

WhatsApp added that users who have linked their Instagram or Facebook accounts may be able to claim matching usernames, providing an additional layer of ownership verification.

The platform also said it will continue monitoring user reports and account blocks to identify impersonation attempts and take action against fraudulent accounts.

The controversy intensified after several prominent individuals claimed that variations of their names appeared to have already been taken during the reservation process.

According to media 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.