The Indian government has directed Meta-owned WhatsApp not to roll out its proposed username feature in India until further consultations are completed. The move comes amid concerns that the feature could potentially be misused for impersonation, phishing attacks, online fraud, and so-called “digital arrest” scams that have become increasingly common across the country. The government has also asked Meta to submit a detailed explanation of the feature within three days.
Why the Government Is Concerned
WhatsApp recently announced plans to introduce usernames, allowing users to communicate without sharing their phone numbers. The feature is designed to enhance privacy by enabling people to connect using unique usernames rather than mobile numbers.
However, government officials have raised concerns that cybercriminals could create usernames resembling those of government departments, businesses, public figures, or trusted institutions. Such impersonation could potentially be used to deceive users and increase online fraud attempts. Authorities are also assessing whether the feature aligns with India’s existing legal and cybersecurity frameworks.
Meta Asked to Explain Safeguards
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has reportedly issued a formal notice asking Meta to explain how the username system will function, what safeguards will be implemented, and how misuse will be prevented. The company has been given three days to respond.
Officials have indicated that the rollout should remain on hold until consultations with relevant government agencies are completed and concerns surrounding privacy, cybersecurity, and user safety are adequately addressed.
WhatsApp Defends the New Feature
WhatsApp has responded by stating that the username feature is intended to strengthen privacy rather than weaken it. The company says usernames will be optional, protected, and not publicly searchable. Users will not be required to create a username, and strangers will not be able to randomly discover or contact them through a public directory.
The company has also highlighted safeguards such as reserving certain high-profile usernames, limiting username discovery mechanisms, and implementing protections against impersonation attempts. According to WhatsApp, the feature is not yet live and is expected to be introduced gradually later in the year.
What Happens Next
India represents WhatsApp’s largest market, with hundreds of millions of users relying on the platform daily. As a result, regulatory scrutiny of major feature launches has increased significantly.
The government’s review will likely focus on balancing user privacy benefits with concerns around fraud prevention and cybersecurity. Meta’s response over the next few days could determine whether the username feature launches in India as planned, requires modifications, or faces additional regulatory conditions before rollout.
Summary
The Indian government has directed Meta to pause WhatsApp’s upcoming username feature and submit a detailed explanation within three days. Authorities fear the feature could be exploited for impersonation, phishing, and cyber fraud. WhatsApp maintains that usernames are optional, protected, and designed to improve privacy. The feature will remain on hold in India until consultations and security assessments are completed.
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