WhatsApp Reserves High-Profile Usernames, Including Singapore Leaders', Amidst Indian Scam Concerns

Meta-owned messaging service WhatsApp is proactively reserving prominent usernames, including those belonging to public figures and government entities in Singapore, in anticipation of its upcoming username feature. This new privacy measure is designed to allow users to communicate without revealing their personal phone numbers.

The primary goal of reserving these usernames is to prevent impersonation and ensure that only legitimate owners can claim them. WhatsApp confirmed to CNA that variations of well-known names have also been held back. Usernames such as @LawrenceWong, @KShanmugam, @OngYeKung, and @VivianBalakrishnan, corresponding to Singapore's Prime Minister, Home Affairs Minister, Health Minister, and Foreign Minister respectively, were found to be blocked. Even variations like @LawrenceWong_ and @LawrenceWong1 are unavailable.

WhatsApp announced last month that the username feature would be rolled out globally in gradual updates. Users will be able to reserve their preferred username before the feature becomes widely available in their regions. When a user messages someone for the first time via their username, WhatsApp will provide context, such as whether the account is new, a known contact, shares common groups, or is based in a different country, to help the recipient decide whether to respond.

Despite the privacy benefits, the username feature has sparked concerns in India. Indian authorities have requested Meta to pause the rollout and provide a detailed explanation of the measures being implemented to prevent fraud and impersonation. This request comes in the wake of significant cyber fraud losses reported in India, with figures reaching approximately US$2.3 billion in 2025, and a notable year-on-year increase in cyber fraud complaints.

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When it becomes available and someone sends you a message for the first time via your username, we will show you if they're a new account, if they’re your contact, if you have groups in common, and if they’re based in a different country, so you can decide whether to respond.