How New WhatsApp Username Feature Raises Impersonation And Scam Concerns In India
A discussion on the implications of the proposed WhatsApp username feature highlights concerns over user privacy, impersonation, and monetisation strategies. Security experts warn that while
A discussion on the implications of the proposed WhatsApp username feature highlights concerns over user privacy, impersonation, and monetisation strategies. Security experts warn that while the feature allows users to hide phone numbers, it could lead to severe impersonation scams and digital arrest cases in India, where strict privacy laws like the GDPR are currently absent. The platform's broader objective appears to be monetisation by integrating WhatsApp with the Instagram and Facebook ecosystems for precision and potential subscription models.
The feature could eventually introduce premium services such as paid verification ticks and seamless UPI payments without phone numbers. The absence of robust identity verification or KYC for usernames might enable scammers to easily impersonate public figures and ordinary citizens. Experts suggest that basic safeguards, such as revealing the country codes behind usernames, could mitigate these risks. The core concern remains that user data is being heavily leveraged for corporate expansion, leaving users highly vulnerable to extensive cyber threats.
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