WhatsApp has assured the Indian government it will not launch its proposed username feature in the country until consultations with authorities conclude. The Centre has raised concerns that usernames could increase risks of fraud, phishing and impersonation. Meta says the feature includes safeguards and remains optional, while discussions with the government continue.
New Delhi: Meta-backed messaging platform WhatsApp has assured the Indian government it will not roll out its proposed username feature in the country until ongoing consultations with authorities are completed, sources familiar with the matter said.
The Meta‑owned messaging platform has also been granted an additional three days to respond to the government notice seeking clarification on the feature. The original deadline for WhatsApp’s reply had lapsed on Friday.
WhatsApp had proposed a username option which would allow users to communicate on WhatsApp without sharing their phone numbers.
The Central government issued a formal notice last week expressing concerns that such a move could heighten risks of online fraud, phishing and impersonation. The government asked WhatsApp to keep the feature on hold until discussions address its security and consumer‑protection concerns, and a Meta delegation met officials from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology on Friday to discuss the matter.
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