WhatsApp is finally introducing usernames, giving users a new way to connect without sharing their phone numbers. Until now, a phone number was the only way to add someone on the app. With the new feature, users will be able to share a username instead, helping keep their personal number private.
Cybersecurity experts say this could be an important change, especially in India, where phone numbers are linked to many services like Aadhaar, bank accounts, UPI, and government records. They believe that sharing a username instead of a phone number can offer an extra layer of privacy.
The feature is expected to be useful in many everyday situations, such as talking to new people, joining school or parent groups, neighbourhood communities, or temporary groups where users may not want to reveal their personal contact number.
It could also help freelancers, small business owners, and professionals who currently use separate phone numbers for work and personal life. They may now be able to use a username while keeping their main number private.
However, the new feature has also raised concerns about online scams and fake identities. Reports suggest that the Indian government will review WhatsApp’s username feature before or during its rollout to check whether enough safety measures are in place to prevent misuse by cybercriminals. If any issues are found, Meta may be asked to explain or make changes.
Experts say the concerns are valid but point out that WhatsApp has already announced several safeguards. There will be no public directory of usernames, no automatic username suggestions, and users will need to know the exact username to contact someone. The platform will also offer an optional username key for additional control.
Some cybersecurity experts believe the feature may even help reduce SIM swap fraud over time. Since users will no longer need to share their phone numbers as often, criminals may find it harder to target them using phone-number-based scams.
Still, experts say the success of usernames will depend on how many people actually start using them. They believe the feature will likely become popular first among users who value privacy, while wider adoption will depend on how simple and useful it feels once it is available to everyone.
