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The Latest Breaking News from WhatsApp

WhatsApp usernames’ India hiccup; Zepto’s unusual legal structure

WhatsApp’s big bet on usernames has hit a regulatory speed bump in India. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.

The Economic Times

Usernaam ke Vaaste? Some things to consider about the ruckus over WhatsApp introducing usernames

WhatsApp's introduction of usernames, a feature long present in rivals like Telegram and Signal, has sparked debate, particularly in India. While aiming to enhance privacy by obscuring mobile numbers, especially for vulnerable users, concerns about impersonation and scamming persist. The article argues that usernames, when linked to KYC-verified numbers, don't…

The Economic Times

Meta locks essential Ray-Bans feature behind a paywall, even though it's on the glasses not the cloud

A Meta One subscription will be required to use one of its smart glasses' best features

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From WhatsApp chats to food orders: How Sebi cracked a Rs 144 crore stock manipulation scheme

Sebi uncovered an alleged Rs 144 crore pump-and-dump scheme by analysing airline bookings, hotel stays, food delivery records, WhatsApp chats, telecom data and banking trails. The investigation linked digital footprints to identify the alleged mastermind and entities behind five manipulated stocks.

The Economic Times

How two co-founders built a WhatsApp platform helping some farm families increase annual incomes from Rs 50,000 to Rs 4 lakh

Co-founders Azaan Merchant and Gaurav Sanghai built Bharat Intelligence, a WhatsApp-based platform that connects farmers with skilled labourers, helping growers secure workers on time while giving labourers more consistent employment. The result: some farm families have seen annual incomes rise from around Rs 50,000 to as much as Rs 4…

The Economic Times

Centre asks Meta to pause WhatsApp username rollout; seeks reply in three days

It has directed Meta to furnish a detailed explanation of the feature within three days. The company has been asked not to roll out the feature until consultation on the matter is over, sources told ET.

The Economic Times

Meta’s WhatsApp Shakeup Could Put India at the Center of Its Next Growth Push

Meta is investing $900 million in Indian fintech Cred to bring founder Kunal Shah on to lead WhatsApp, aiming to boost monetization of the platform's 3 billion users.

MarketBeat

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WhatsApp usernames face heat; Byju’s inventory in limbo

India is weighing legal guardrails for WhatsApp usernames amid fresh fraud fears. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.

The Economic Times

What are WhatsApp ‘usernames’ and how do they work?

IN FULL

The Independent UK

'WhatsApp has to worry, not us': Govt warns messaging platform over fraud risks as username feature sparks privacy debate

The recently announced WhatsApp username feature is under scrutiny, amid concerns over impersonation and scams. While WhatsApp claims safeguards are in place, officials emphasize evaluating outcomes, not just assurances. Experts and industry leaders express reservations, fearing a rise in identity fraud and misinformation.

The Economic Times

WhatsApp's New Username Feature Changes Everything

Have you ever wanted to chat with someone on WhatsApp without revealing your personal phone number? Whether it's joining a community, talking to a seller, or connecting with someone new, sharing your number has always been unavoidable. That may soon change. WhatsApp is preparing one of its biggest privacy upgrades…

MyLifeXP

Worries arise over gaming of WhatsApp usernames

The feature, expected to roll out later this year, will allow users to connect using usernames instead of sharing their phone numbers. While experts say this reduces exposure of personal phone numbers and lowers risks such as SIM-swapping and contact scraping, they warn that the move also raises fresh questions…

The Economic Times

WhatsApp’s major new update explained: The two things you need to know about ‘usernames’ feature

New feature is intended to avoid privacy problems and difficulties of handing over numbers – but comes with some warnings

The Independent UK

WhatsApp to replace phone numbers with usernames - what does this change mean for users?

WhatsApp says the new feature will be released over the coming months and that it will notify users when it is available in their country.

Euronews

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Tom’s Guide

WhatsApp usernames are rolling out soon — here's how to reserve yours

Users can claim their preferred WhatsApp username during the early access period. Here's how to do it.

Barchart

Meta Shows Urgency as Investors Get Exasperated But Don't Expect a Major Rally Yet

Meta has announced a flurry of new initiatives and is reportedly looking to launch a prediction markets app. While these are steps in the right direction, don't expect a major rally yet.

TechRadar

I just reserved my WhatsApp username — here are 5 important things you need to know about the process

Reservations are already opening up for WhatsApp usernames, and here's what you need to bear in mind.

Whats Hot

WhatsApp Introduces Usernames: A Major Privacy Upgrade That Changes How Billions Connect

For more than 15 years, one thing defined WhatsApp: your phone number was your identity. Whether you wanted to start a conversation, join a group, buy or sell products, or connect with someone new, sharing your mobile number was almost always unavoidable. While convenient, this system often raised concerns about…

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The Economic Times

WhatsApp username: Should you use your real name or something else?

WhatsApp is rolling out a new username feature, allowing users to connect without sharing phone numbers. This privacy upgrade lets you reserve a unique handle, distinct from your real name or existing social media IDs. While offering enhanced control, users are debating the best username choice for privacy and to…

WhatsApp usernames replacing phone numbers soon – here's how to get yours

With over three billion users, the chance of getting the WhatsApp username you want could be limited, so get in there quickly

The Economic Times

'This could be a disaster': From Ankur Warikoo to Vijay Shekhar Sharma, why India's startup leaders are worried about Kunal Shah's first move at WhatsApp

WhatsApp's new username feature, allowing users to connect without sharing phone numbers, has raised significant concerns about potential impersonation scams, particularly in India. Entrepreneurs fear scammers could create similar-sounding usernames to solicit money, bypassing the accountability previously offered by phone numbers. This privacy-focused update faces scrutiny over the need for…

The Independent UK

WhatsApp set for major change that will affect millions of users – here’s what to know

IN FULL

TechRadar

WhatsApp just opened username reservations for three billion people — here’s how to claim your handle before it's taken

WhatsApp is tightening the screws on its privacy with the announcement of usernames.

The Independent UK

WhatsApp makes one of its biggest changes ever

New update will finally let people chat without sharing their phone number

The Independent UK

WhatsApp will allow users to go by usernames instead of phone numbers, closing a privacy blind spot

WhatsApp users will soon have the option to use usernames instead of phone numbers

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