Meta has opened reservations for WhatsApp usernames, a feature that will let users communicate using chosen handles instead of phone numbers, gradually rolling out globally to mobile users. The change is intended to give people greater control over their personal contact information whilst maintaining connectivity within the messaging platform.

Users can secure usernames through their mobile app's profile settings, with handles restricted to 3-35 characters using lowercase letters, numbers, underscores, and periods—no all-digit combinations or restricted terms permitted. The initiative has prompted concerns about fraud and impersonation, leading India's government to formally request that Meta postpone the rollout pending clarification on how the company will prevent scams and protect accounts from being spoofed, particularly important given WhatsApp's 500 million users in that country.