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July 2, 2026 12:48 PM

“Multiple layers of defence against scams”: WhatsApp defends “usernames” feature as government issues notice

Hours after the government issued a notice to Meta-owned WhatsApp over the proposed rollout of the 'username feature', the messaging platform claimed it has built "multiple layers of defence against scams". The government has asked Meta not to roll out the feature until satisfactory consultations are completed. A WhatsApp spokesperson said the company has announced the option for people to reserve their preferred username on the platform. "The ability to use a username is not yet live and will...

June 30, 2026 3:18 PM

WhatsApp’s new ‘username’ feature: What it means, how it boosts users’ privacy

Meta-owned WhatsApp is set to introduce a username-based identity system aimed at enhancing user privacy by allowing people to connect without sharing their mobile phone numbers. The upcoming feature represents a significant shift from WhatsApp's current phone number-based model. Once rolled out, users will be able to communicate using unique usernames, adding an extra layer of privacy for the platform's billions of users. Announcing the feature, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said it is "designed t...

May 14, 2026 3:44 PM

Meta rolls out WhatsApp ‘incognito’ mode to address privacy concerns for AI chats

Meta has introduced a new “incognito” mode for chats with its Meta AI chatbot on WhatsApp, as the company moves to address growing privacy concerns around AI-based conversations, according to a report by TechCrunch. The company announced on Wednesday that users will soon be able to start private conversations with Meta AI through a new icon in one-on-one chats on WhatsApp. The feature is also expected to be added to the standalone Meta AI app in the coming months. According to Meta, the in...

February 12, 2026 12:08 PM

WhatsApp says Russia tried to fully block service to push state app

Russia has attempted to "fully block" Meta Platform-owned WhatsApp in the country, a company spokesperson told Reuters on Wednesday, as it promotes home-grown platforms and seeks greater control over its internet space. A simmering dispute with foreign tech providers intensified after Moscow's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Russian authorities are pushing a state-backed rival app called 'MAX', which critics claim could be used to track users. State media have dismissed those acc...

August 14, 2025 2:06 PM

WhatsApp says Russia is trying to block it

WhatsApp said Russia was trying to block its services because the social media messaging app owned by Meta Platforms offered people's right to secure communication, and vowed to continue trying to make encrypted services available in Russia. Russia has started restricting some Telegram and WhatsApp calls, accusing the foreign-owned platforms of failing to share information with law enforcement in fraud and terrorism cases. "WhatsApp is private, end-to-end encrypted, and defies government attem...

March 17, 2025 11:06 PM

Centre joins WhatsApp to curb digital frauds, cyber threats

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on Monday collaborated with WhatsApp to extend ‘Scam Se Bacho,’ Meta’s safety campaign against online scams and spam. As part of the collaboration, DoT and WhatsApp will work together to educate citizens on identifying and reporting suspected fraudulent communications to enhance digital safety and awareness. The initiative will include train-the-trainer workshops for DoT officials, Sanchar Mitras, Telecom Service Providers (TSPs), and field unit...

September 16, 2024 4:26 PM

Delhi police warns against false Whatsapp messages amid ongoing probe into school threat emails

The Delhi Police on Wednesday urged citizens to remain vigilant against false messages and misinformation circulating on WhatsApp. The warning came in response to a string of bomb threat emails targeting local schools, all of which were confirmed to be hoaxes. "Some audio messages are being pushed on WhatsApp and other chat groups that some suspicious objects were found in some schools. These messages are false and have no truth in them. I request all to please convey further that these are fal...