The Central government has directed Meta to halt the rollout of WhatsApp’s new username feature in India and submit a detailed explanation within three days. The move comes amid concerns that usernames could increase the risk of impersonation, fraud and misinformation, prompting the government to review the feature before its launch.

Key Highlights

The Central government has put the rollout of WhatsApp’s proposed username feature on hold in India, directing Meta to provide a detailed explanation within three days while asking the company not to launch the feature until consultations with the government are completed.

According to official sources, the government is carefully examining the implications of the feature, particularly its potential impact on cyber security, digital fraud and user safety.

The proposed feature would allow WhatsApp users to communicate without sharing their mobile phone numbers, instead using unique usernames, similar to social media platforms. Meta says the feature is intended to enhance user privacy by allowing people to connect using usernames rather than personal phone numbers.

However, the Centre is concerned that the feature could make impersonation and online fraud easier if robust verification and anti-abuse mechanisms are not in place.

Government sources indicated that messaging platforms introducing new features may also be held accountable if those features facilitate scams, impersonation or the spread of misinformation.

Officials stressed that platforms such as WhatsApp must ensure their services are not misused by cybercriminals, particularly in a country like India where digital payments and online communications have become integral to daily life.

The government’s review also takes into account existing Indian regulations requiring messaging platforms to be linked with verified mobile numbers. Under the Telecom Cyber Security Rules, 2024, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has implemented strict SIM-binding requirements to strengthen digital identity verification and combat cyber fraud.

While Telegram and Signal have long offered username-based communication, the Centre appears to be evaluating whether WhatsApp’s much larger user base in India could create additional challenges in preventing abuse.

Cybersecurity experts have also raised concerns that fraudsters could create usernames closely resembling trusted businesses, public figures or government organisations, potentially misleading users.

Entrepreneur Ankur Warikoo echoed these concerns, warning that fake usernames imitating well-known individuals or brands could become a major problem in India unless WhatsApp deploys strong anti-abuse systems before launch.

Meta has not yet publicly responded to the government’s notice or announced any change to its rollout plans.

The government’s intervention signals a more proactive regulatory approach toward new digital platform features, especially those that could affect online identity verification, cyber security and consumer protection.

Conclusion

The Centre’s decision to pause WhatsApp’s username rollout underscores India’s increasing focus on digital safety and accountability. While username-based messaging can improve user privacy, the government wants to ensure that adequate safeguards against impersonation, scams and cyber fraud are in place before the feature becomes available to millions of Indian users.

FAQ