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Meta-owned WhatsApp has announced the rollout of usernames, allowing users of the instant messaging platform to communicate with family, friends, or businesses without sharing their phone numbers. According to WhatsApp, users will soon be able to pick unique usernames<\/a>, similar to those on social media platforms.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Meta described the move as “designed to protect the privacy of your phone number,” adding that \u201cpeople need to know your exact username to contact you.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n WhatsApp is not the first to roll out such an option for its users. Telegram and Signal have allowed users to hide their phone numbers and use only a username for a very long time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n It should be noted that Indian law requires messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram to link to a verified mobile number. Under the Telecom Cyber Security Rules, 2024, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) enforces strict SIM-binding mandates to combat digital fraud.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n However, SIM-binding only means that a messaging account is typically created and authenticated using a valid mobile number. WhatsApp users can still use their chosen username as their public identifier while the underlying account remains linked to the verified phone number in the backend.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n While Meta claimed that the introduction of usernames would restrict access to phone numbers, others have raised concerns, especially about its potential misuse by unscrupulous elements.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma is among those who have flagged the potential misuse of usernames on WhatsApp.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cSoon you will have verified username on WhatsApp, and then unverified similar-sounding usernames\u2026.which in turn will\u2026,\u201d Sharma said in a post on X.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nTelegram, Signal already allow usernames<\/h2>\n
What about SIM-binding?<\/h2>\n
Concerns about misuse of WhatsApp usernames<\/h2>\n