WhatsApp is preparing one of its biggest identity changes in years. Instead of sharing phone numbers, users will soon be able to connect through unique usernames, a feature that promises greater privacy but is already triggering concerns around impersonation, scams and online fraud. While Meta positions the feature as a privacy-first upgrade, creator Ankur Warikoo and the Indian government have both questioned whether the rollout could unintentionally make digital fraud even more convincing.
What Is Changing?
For over a decade, a phone number has been the primary identity on WhatsApp. The upcoming username system will allow users to chat without revealing their mobile number, bringing WhatsApp closer to platforms like Telegram, Signal, Instagram and X.
The feature is optional, but once enabled, users can choose a unique username that others can use to find and message them instead of their phone number.
For creators, entrepreneurs and professionals, this could become a safer way to communicate with audiences without exposing personal contact details.
Why Ankur Warikoo Is Concerned
Among the first prominent Indian creators to publicly discuss the feature was entrepreneur and content creator Ankur Warikoo.
His concern isn’t privacy. It’s impersonation.
Warikoo pointed out that someone could potentially register usernames that closely resemble public personalities, such as:
- @warikoo
- @ankurwarikoo
- @warikooofficial
- @warikoo_
He argues that many internet users do not understand verification systems well enough to distinguish genuine profiles from fake ones.
Today, users often verify a WhatsApp contact by checking the saved phone number. If phone numbers become hidden, scammers may find it easier to build trust using lookalike usernames.
For creators whose businesses rely heavily on audience trust, even a single fake profile could lead to phishing attempts, financial fraud or reputational damage.
The Indian Government Is Reportedly Asking Similar Questions
The concerns extend beyond the creator economy.
According to reports, the Indian government has asked Meta to explain how the username feature will protect users from:
- Identity impersonation
- Cyber fraud
- Fake accounts
- Financial scams
Authorities have reportedly requested additional clarity before the wider rollout proceeds.
Given India’s position as WhatsApp’s largest market, with hundreds of millions of users relying on the platform for personal communication, business transactions and customer support, identity verification becomes significantly more important.
Meta Says Safeguards Are Coming
Meta has maintained that usernames are optional and will launch with built-in protections designed to reduce misuse.
Although the company has not publicly detailed every safeguard, similar systems on other platforms typically include:
- Unique usernames
- Restrictions on duplicate identities
- Reporting mechanisms
- Account verification tools
- Anti-impersonation policies
Whether those measures prove sufficient at WhatsApp’s scale remains the biggest question.
Why This Matters for Creators
The debate is particularly relevant for India’s creator economy.
Thousands of creators use WhatsApp to communicate with brands, agencies, clients and followers. A verified-looking username could make business conversations easier, but it also increases the importance of educating audiences about identifying authentic accounts.
Many creators have already faced impersonation scams across Instagram, Telegram and X. WhatsApp usernames could create another avenue if users are not careful.
Privacy vs Security
The discussion ultimately comes down to a familiar trade-off.
Supporters argue that removing phone numbers is a long-overdue privacy improvement that aligns WhatsApp with modern messaging platforms.
Critics believe hiding one of the strongest identity signals could make social engineering attacks even more sophisticated, especially among less digitally aware users.
The success of WhatsApp usernames may ultimately depend less on the feature itself and more on how effectively Meta prevents impersonation while helping users recognise genuine accounts.
As the rollout approaches, the debate is no longer just about privacy. It’s about whether WhatsApp can make communication safer without making trust harder to verify.