Username Feature: When the government started investigation, WhatsApp started counting its benefits, you also know its new feature

New Delhi. Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp has released a detailed frequently asked questions (FAQ) document regarding its controversial ‘username feature’. The company has taken this step amid the investigation started by the government on this feature and it says that this feature can prove to be very effective in preventing fraud. WhatsApp has told in its FAQ what steps the company will take to ensure that the ‘username’ is not used to impersonate someone else or for fraud.

This ‘FAQ’ has been issued at a time when the Central Government has sent a notice to Meta expressing concern over the risks of possible fraud and impersonation. The government has said that this service should not be implemented until it is satisfied on these issues and the consultation process is completed. In simple words, the new ‘feature’ will allow users to create a unique ‘username’, through which they will be able to connect with others on WhatsApp without sharing their mobile number. This may create a possibility of increase in fraud.

What is special in FAQ
As per the FAQ, having a ‘username’ will be optional. Strangers will not be able to search your username. If the user wishes, they can also add a ‘username key’ for additional security, so that in order to contact someone, this ‘key’ (code etc.) should also be known along with the ‘username’. WhatsApp said that the famous names of public figures, celebrities, government entities and Meta-verified accounts are already protected so that only their rightful owners can access them.

WhatsApp will connect with Facebook-Insta
The company also said that users who link their Instagram or Facebook account to WhatsApp will be able to get a ‘username’ of the same name. This will confirm actual ownership. Later, if they wish, they can also separate these accounts. The messaging platform said it will continuously monitor ‘blocks’ and ‘reports’ and take action against fraudsters. He also cautioned that the claims of reserving popular or popular ‘usernames’ are false. Such protected names will be given only to genuine account holders.

What are the special questions in the company’s FAQ?

• Will it be mandatory to have a ‘username’?
  No, this will be completely optional.
  What if the username I want is not available?
  There can be many reasons for this-
• It is already a ‘username’ of an Instagram or Facebook account, which has been reserved for its owner.
• Famous names and some variations of them, such as public figures, celebrities, government entities, and meta-verified accounts, are already protected. If you try to select such a name, the system will tell you that it is not available.
• If a common name is already taken by another user, you can use the ‘username generator’ feature.
  If someone impersonates me or commits fraud by creating a ‘username’ like mine, how will he be stopped?
  The facility of sending messages through ‘username’ has not started yet. When this feature is launched and a new person sends you a message, WhatsApp will show information about their country and a warning about the first contact. Famous names of public figures and their variations are reserved for verified owners. The company will also take action against fraudsters by keeping an eye on ‘block’ and ‘report’ cases.
  If someone knows or guesses my username, will they be able to send me messages?
  Just as a phone number cannot be searched on WhatsApp, similarly ‘username’ will also not be searchable. The best way to avoid unwanted contacts is to add a ‘username key’ and choose a ‘username’ that is unique only to WhatsApp.
  What is ‘username key’?
  This is an additional security measure. If you activate this, someone must know both your username and your username to contact them. You can change this ‘key’ at any time, which will prevent new contacts using the old details.
  Can I change my username later?
  Yes, if a new ‘username’ is available you will be able to change it.