New Delhi, Jul 2 (PTI) Meta-owned WhatsApp has released a detailed set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) on its upcoming username feature, outlining how it plans to address concerns around impersonation, scams and unwanted contact as users begin reserving usernames.
The FAQs come after the Centre issued a notice to Meta, flagging concerns over potential fraud and impersonation risks and warning the company against rolling out the feature until consultations on the issue are completed “to the satisfaction of the government”.
The upcoming feature will allow users to create unique usernames that can be used to connect on WhatsApp without sharing their phone numbers.
According to WhatsApp, usernames will be optional and cannot be searched by strangers. Users can also enable an additional ‘username key’, requiring both the username and the key before someone can contact them.
The company said it has reserved well-known names, including those of public figures, celebrities, government entities and Meta-verified accounts, so they can only be claimed by legitimate owners. Users who link their Instagram or Facebook accounts can also claim matching usernames to help verify ownership, while retaining the option to unlink those accounts later.
WhatsApp also said it will monitor user blocks and reports to identify scammers, while cautioning that claims about reserving popular or well-known usernames are false. Only legitimate account owners can claim protected names, it said.
Here is a look at the key clarifications and safeguards outlined by WhatsApp in its FAQs:
Q: Are usernames mandatory?
A: Nope, they are optional.
Q: What if the username I want isn’t available?
A: There’s a few reasons you might not be able to reserve the username you want:
1) It’s an existing Instagram or Facebook username; these are reserved for their owners.
2) We’ve held well-known names and some variations of them — like public figures, celebrities, government entities and Meta-verified accounts – so they can only be claimed by their legitimate owners. If you try to reserve those, the system will say it’s not available.
3) Someone already claimed a common name, in that case use the username generator.
Q: What if someone creates a username similar to mine to impersonate me or run a scam, how do you stop someone from pretending to be me?
A: Usernames are not available for messaging yet. When they are, and you get a message from someone new, we’ll let you know the country origin, and a warning for first time outreach. Well-known public-figure names and their variations are held for verified owners. We’re also keeping a close eye on blocks and reports to take action against scammers.
Q: Can random people message me if they know or guess my username?
A: Just like you can’t search for a phone number in WhatsApp, you can’t search for a username. The best way to prevent someone from contacting you is to add a username key and to choose a username that is unique to WhatsApp.
All the current measures remain in place to prevent unwanted contact, including warnings with details about unknown senders (whether they’re a new account, if you share groups, what country they’re in) and the ability to block and report.
Q: What is a username key?
A: An extra layer of protection you can enable with your username, so that another user will have to know both your username and your username key to contact you. You can reset your key at any time to stop new inbound contact through your username.
Q: Do I have to link my other Meta accounts?
A: If you want the same username as your Instagram or Facebook account, you’ll have to link them. This is one of the ways to reduce impersonation and to make sure you’re the legitimate owner of the account. But after that, you can unlink the account if you want, or you can choose a username unique to WhatsApp.
Q: Can I change my username later?
A: Yes, as long as the new one you want is available.
Reiterating its position on reserved names and the phased rollout, WhatsApp said, “A few more things to keep in mind…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.”
“We enabled reservations before usernames launch later this year because we think people will feel strongly about what username they want on WhatsApp. We’re taking our time and listening to feedback so that when it rolls out later this year we get it right.”