WhatsApp announced that users can start reserving their preferred usernames this week ahead of the feature's wider rollout later this year. The new capability allows people to connect and message others without sharing their personal phone numbers, aiming to boost user privacy. However, the move has sparked immediate concerns about potential scams and impersonation risks similar to those on Telegram. KnotDating CEO Jasveer Singh highlighted that removing phone number requirements could reduce accountability and make it easier for fraudsters to create fake identities and send spam. Users on X echoed these worries, noting challenges for law enforcement and risks of scammers mimicking public figures or trusted contacts, especially in markets like India. WhatsApp maintains the feature enhances privacy while urging users to update to the latest version to reserve usernames via Settings > Account > Username. Experts hope the company has implemented strong anti-spam systems to prevent misuse.
WhatsApp announced that users can start reserving their preferred usernames this week ahead of the feature's wider rollout later this year. The new capability allows people to connect and message others without sharing their personal phone numbers, aiming to boost user privacy. However, the move has sparked immediate concerns about potential scams and impersonation risks similar to those on Telegram. KnotDating CEO Jasveer Singh highlighted that removing phone number requirements could reduce accountability and make it easier for fraudsters to create fake identities and send spam. Users on X echoed these worries, noting challenges for law enforcement and risks of scammers mimicking public figures or trusted contacts, especially in markets like India. WhatsApp maintains the feature enhances privacy while urging users to update to the latest version to reserve usernames via Settings > Account > Username. Experts hope the company has implemented strong anti-spam systems to prevent misuse.