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The Union government has directed Meta to halt the rollout of WhatsApp’s new username feature in India, citing risks of fraud, phishing and impersonation scams. The Ministry of Electronics and IT issued a notice asking Meta to respond within three days and explain compliance under the IT Act and cyber laws.

The Union government has directed Meta to pause the rollout of WhatsApp's new username feature in India, sending a notice on July 1 that seeks an explanation within three days. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has flagged concerns that the feature could fuel scams, even as WhatsApp maintains it is designed to protect user privacy.

WhatsApp username rollout: Government cites fraud risk

The ministry's notice states, "You are also directed not to roll out this feature until the consultation on this point is achieved to the satisfaction of the government." According to the notice, the feature could 'materially increase fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams' in India, enable 'bad actors to solicit and message victims,' and open the door to impersonation of individuals or government authorities.

The government has also asked Meta to explain 'why regulatory action ought not to be initiated under the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 and other laws … for launching a service that may increase cybercrimes.' WhatsApp is classified as a 'significant social intermediary' under Indian law.