WhatsApp has stated that reservations of usernames linked to well-known public figures are limited to their rightful owners. The company described as false any suggestions that others could claim popular or recognizable names.
The clarification appeared in a list of frequently asked questions issued by the Meta-owned service regarding its username option, which has drawn criticism over risks of impersonation and fraud.
A few additional points should be noted, WhatsApp said in the document. Reports claiming that popular or famous usernames can be reserved by others are incorrect, as only legitimate account holders may secure names of public figures.
On July 1, 2026, Indian authorities sent a notice to Meta concerning the planned username system. Officials cited fears that the change could raise instances of online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams, and impersonation. The government instructed the company to delay the rollout until further discussions are concluded satisfactorily.
India represents a major market for WhatsApp, which serves more than 500 million users in the country.
Several public figures have recently posted on X after noticing that many variations of their names were already claimed during the reservation period.
Former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia expressed surprise on the platform that nearly all versions of his name and that of his party appeared to have been taken.
Others, including MobiKwik chief executive Bipin Preet Singh, similarly found that close alternatives of their names had been reserved early.
Experts and users have warned that the username feature could lead to increased impersonation, spoofing, and financial scams.
In its notice, the government said the feature might substantially raise cases of online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams, and impersonation by allowing malicious actors to contact victims. It asked Meta to explain why measures should not be taken under the IT Act and related rules.
Authorities also recalled that WhatsApp, as a major social media intermediary, must follow due diligence requirements under the law.
WhatsApp defended the feature in a statement on July 1, 2026, pointing to built-in protections against scams and impersonation.
A company spokesperson noted that the username capability is not yet active and will be introduced gradually later in the year.
To guard against impersonation, high-profile names belonging to public figures, government bodies, celebrities, and verified Meta accounts have been reserved exclusively for their legitimate owners, with similar derivatives also held back, the spokesperson said.
Users must still provide a phone number to access WhatsApp. The company added that multiple safeguards against misuse have been incorporated.
Other users need the exact username to send messages. Limits will apply on the number of new contacts an account can reach, repeated guessing attempts will be blocked, and systems will detect common patterns of impersonation and abuse, the company stated.
WhatsApp will indicate whether a first-time sender is a new account, an existing contact, a mutual group member, or located in another country.
When the feature launches, users receiving an initial message via username will see details about the sender to help decide whether to reply.
The Internet Freedom Foundation has questioned the government notice, arguing it lacks a clear legal foundation.
The group described the action as an attempt by the executive to control what a company may develop and release, which no law allows. It added that the notice treats a lawful feature as something requiring justification, reversing normal procedures, and that no statute grants the power to approve or block a product feature before release.
