New Delhi: The Union government has adopted a stringent stance towards WhatsApp’s proposed username feature, issuing a formal notice to its parent company, Meta, requesting comprehensive clarification on the functionality of the new option and the safeguards that will be implemented for users in India. Officials have also asked the company not to roll out the feature in the country until consultations with authorities are completed.
What triggered the notice?
WhatsApp has announced a new username feature that will allow users to communicate on the platform without sharing their mobile numbers. The company has begun allowing users to reserve preferred usernames in advance, while the full feature is expected to be launched later this year in a phased manner. The platform pitches the move as a privacy-enhancing option, particularly for large groups and first-time interactions. first post + 1
However, the Indian government is alarmed by this shift from phone number-based identity to platform-managed usernames. Officials fear that concealing phone numbers could make it harder to identify users in cases involving cybercrime, impersonation, and online fraud.
Government’s concerns on fraud and impersonation
Officials from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology are closely examining the potential misuse of the feature by scammers and impostors. Officials worry that scammers could create usernames resembling those of real individuals, companies, or government agencies, which could lead to impersonation and financial fraud. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also flagged cyber fraud risks and has conveyed its concerns to MeitY, prompting a broader review involving other messaging platforms with similar features.
Authorities are also assessing whether existing legal provisions are sufficient to deal with crimes that might arise from increased anonymity on the platform. Officials have indicated that if the government is not satisfied with Meta’s response, it could explore legal options to restrict or block the feature in India.
Meta’s response and safeguards
While Meta has not issued a detailed public statement on the notice itself, company sources have confirmed that the government’s communication has been received and consultations are underway. The company has said that usernames will roll out gradually and that users will still require a phone number to use WhatsApp. Meta has also claimed that it has built multiple layers of safeguards against impersonation, including reserving high-profile names for legitimate owners and flagging look-alike usernames. timesnownews+2
The company has further stated that when the feature becomes available, users will see indicators such as whether a contact is new, whether they share common groups, or if the person is based in another country before responding to messages received via usernames. Despite these assurances, the feature is likely to face intense regulatory scrutiny in India as policymakers weigh user privacy against public safety and effective law enforcement.