WhatsApp: Usernames secured against scams, Meta says

WhatsApp is about to roll out usernames, a bit of a strange concept for those used to phone numbers. The idea is sound: identify yourself more easily, without giving out your number. But, as always, where there's novelty, there are those looking to exploit it.

Meta, the company behind WhatsApp, quickly caught on. To prevent your favorite influencer or local politician from getting a digital doppelgänger, they've put countermeasures in place. Meta Platforms Inc. stated on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, that it will only allow legitimate owners to claim high-profile usernames on WhatsApp.

The solution is quite simple, almost obvious: the most "valuable" usernames, or those referencing famous people, will be reserved. You can't just show up and grab Elon Musk's name, unless you are Elon Musk, of course. This means fewer headaches for everyday users.

The goal is to curb "impersonation," which is when someone pretends to be someone else to scam you out of money or data. It's a classic trick, and with usernames, it would have been even easier to fall for. So, a small extra hurdle for bad actors, which is never a bad thing, right?

For you, who uses WhatsApp for stickers and chats with mom, not much changes immediately. However, if you see an account with an "official" username of a public figure in the future, you'll have a bit more assurance that it's the real deal. The fight against online scams is ongoing, and every small step counts. Now, if only they could do the same for chain messages, that would be perfect.