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Centre Flags WhatsApp Username Feature Over Cybercrime Risks, Seeks ... The Centre has issued a notice to Meta over the proposed introduction of usernames on WhatsApp in India, expressing concerns that the feature could increase online fraud, phishing attacks, digital arrest scams, and identity impersonation. The government has sought a detailed explanation from the company within three days and asked it not to roll out the feature until consultations are completed to its satisfaction. According to the notice, authorities believe the username-based system could create new opportunities for cybercriminals to target users without relying on phone numbers. The notice stated, "It is felt that the feature may materially increase the incidence of online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams and impersonation attacks, by enabling bad actors to solicit and message victims. Furthermore, this feature may facilitate impersonation and identity spoofing, including impersonation of individuals, public authorities, financial institutions, and government agencies, by permitting the adoption of usernames closely resembling those of genuine persons or institutions." The government has also direc…

WhatsApp gets more time to reply on usernames; no India rollout now ... The popular messaging platform has been given three more days to file its reply to the government notice on the controversial feature as it sought more time to submit its response. Meta-owned WhatsApp has been granted more time to submit its response on the contentious 'username' feature and assured the government that it will not roll it out in India until discussions are complete, according to sources. The popular messaging platform has been given three more days to file its reply to the government notice on the controversial feature as it sought more time to submit its response, sources toldPTI. The username feature essentially allows people on the messaging platform to communicate without sharing their phone numbers. Last Wednesday, the Centre issued a notice to Meta questioning the planned username feature on WhatsApp, flagging concerns that it could materially increase online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams, and impersonation attacks. It directed the platform to pause the feature until consultations on the issue are completed "to the satisfaction of the Government". Sources said WhatsApp has …

Govt issues notice to WhatsApp over username feature The Union government sent WhatsApp a notice about the feature over impersonation concerns. The feature was set to be rolled out in the coming months

Indian Govt Halts Meta's WhatsApp Usernames Rollout Over Fraud Concerns Home Cyber Security Indian Govt Halts Meta’s WhatsApp Usernames Rollout Over Fraud Concerns By Guru Baran July 1, 2026 The Indian government has issued a formal notice to WhatsApp LLC (Meta), directing the platform to justify why regulatory action should not be taken against its newly announced “usernames” feature and instructing the company not to roll it out in India until consultations are satisfactorily concluded. The letter, addressed to WhatsApp’s Chief Compliance Officer for India Operations, references Meta’s public announcement on June 29, 2026, that it would begin a phased global rollout of usernames, letting users reserve unique handles and eventually message contacts without revealing phone numbers. The Ministry has directed WhatsApp to furnish a detailed explanation, supported by relevant documents, within three days of receipt, and explicitly ordered that the feature not be activated in India until the government’s concerns are resolved. Officials flagged that once activated, a recipient’s phone number would no longer be visible to a first-time contact, with an optional “username key” serving as …

WhatsApp username feature: Govt asks Meta to hold rollout, seeks ... Thegovernment on Wednesday ordered Metanot to roll outWhatsApp's proposed username feature in Indiauntil consultations on its privacy and security implications are completed, issuing the company a notice and seeking a detailed explanation within three days. The government's move marks the first official intervention by authorities into WhatsApp's planned username-based messaging system, which would allow users to connect without sharing their mobile phone numbers. Officials are examining whether the feature has adequate safeguards to prevent misuse by cybercriminals and whether it could make it harder to identify fraudulent accounts. In a notice to the Chief Compliance Officer of Meta, India Operations, the government has asked the company to explain how the feature will work, what mechanisms will be in place to verify users, and how the company plans to prevent impersonation, online fraud and other forms of abuse. The company has also been told not to launch the feature in India until the ongoing review and consultations are completed. The move comes as WhatsApp prepares to introduce one of its biggest privac…

Govt asks Meta to pause WhatsApp 'usernames' rollout in India Govt flags cybercrime risks in WhatsApp usernames feature, orders Meta to pause rollout in India The Centre has asked Meta to explain within three days why regulatory action should not be taken under the IT Act over WhatsApp’s proposed usernames feature, citing concerns it could raise cybercrime risks. It has also directed the company not to roll out the feature in India until consultations are completed, warning of potential misuse including phishing, impersonation and fraud if phone numbers are no longer visible. By Ashmit Kumar July 1, 2026, 11:09:01 PM IST (Updated) 2 Min Read (Photo Credit : reutersconnect ) The Centre has issued a notice to Meta over the proposed rollout of the "usernames" feature on WhatsApp in India and has asked the company to put the launch on hold until consultations on the matter are completed. The government has directed Meta to submit a detailed explanation on the proposed feature within three days. It has also instructed the company not to roll out the "usernames" feature in India until the consultation process is over. Importantly, the Ministry has asked WhatsApp to explain why regulator…

Meta-owned WhatsApp facing challenges in India with new government ... Published December 15, 2025 Meta-owned instant messaging app WhatsApp is facing a grave challenge in India after the government issued new directives. The Indian government's new directives for WhatsApp require app-based communication services to keep accounts continuously linked to an active SIM card. The government has also sought stricter controls on the WhatsApp app, used by millions in India, across devices. As per the government, these measures would counter rising cyber fraud, which caused losses of over ₹228 billion (approximately $2.5 billion) in 2024 alone. On the contrary, digital advocacy groups and industry experts warn that such regulations would adversely affect legitimate use, particularly in a country where WhatsApp has become essential for personal communication and small-scale businesses' commerce. The new rules mandate that messaging apps remain tied to the SIM card used at sign-up, while also requiring users to log out every six hours and relink their devices via a QR code. These requirements are believed to severely impact small businesses that rely on WhatsApp for customer interact…

India orders WhatsApp to halt username feature over anonymity concerns India has asked WhatsApp to justify the implementation of a planned feature covering usernames and to freeze the roll-out in its biggest market, escalating a crackdown on messaging anonymity that began with Telegram, according to a government letter. Earlier this week, Meta’s WhatsApp said ‌it had begun a phased global roll-out, including in India, of the feature, which lets users reserve a unique username and eventually message others without sharing their phone numbers. The intervention is an...

Govt directs Meta not to roll out WhatsApp username feature, seeks explanation in 3 days India's government has halted WhatsApp's new username feature, demanding a detailed explanation within three days. Officials are concerned about impersonation, fraud, and weakened accountability, as users could be misled by similar-looking usernames. Cybersecurity experts and startup founders echo these fears, warning of potential scams and a decline in public trust.

WhatsApp username row: Meta team meets govt officials after notice, reply due in 3 days Meta officials met with Indian IT ministry representatives following a government notice regarding WhatsApp's new username feature. New Delhi expressed concerns that the feature could facilitate cybercrime, including impersonation and fraud. WhatsApp has stated the feature is not yet live and will include safeguards like optional usage and reserved prominent usernames to prevent misuse. The government awaits a final response before allowing the rollout.

WhatsApp issues statement on username feature after government notice ... WhatsApp on Wednesday issued clarification over its upcoming username feature after drawing government attention, saying the new function will be introduced with multiple safeguards to reduce the risk of scams and impersonation. The company said the feature is not yet available and will be rolled out gradually later this year. According to WhatsApp, users will still need a phone number to create an account, while high-profile usernames linked to public figures, government bodies and verified Meta accounts will be reserved for their legitimate owners. The platform also plans to limit unsolicited messages, detect abusive behaviour and provide context about first-time senders, helping users make informed decisions before responding. This came after the government issued a notice to Meta over the move. The company was asked to submit a detailed explanation within three days regarding how the feature will work and what safety measures are in place, as per sources cited by PTI. The new update onWhatsAppallows users to connect with others without sharing their mobile phone numbers. While the feature is designed …

Why India is concerned about WhatsApp usernames - and what it could mean for other countries India has asked Meta to halt the rollout of WhatsApp usernames over fraud and impersonation concerns. Experts weigh the trade-offs between privacy, safety and regulation.

Centre asks Meta to pause WhatsApp username rollout; seeks reply in ... Synopsis It has ​​directed Meta to furnish a detailed explanation of the feature within three days. The company has been asked not to roll out the feature until consultation on the matter is over, sources told ET. Listen to this article in summarized format Listen AP The Indian government has issued a notice to Meta regarding its move to allow usernames on WhatsApp in India, directing the company to furnish a detailed explanation on the feature within three days. The company has been told that it shouldn't be rolled out until consultations on the matter are over, according to government sources. Earlier on Wednesday, officials said the feature, in its current form, could make it easier for cybercriminals to impersonate public figures, government officials, brands and businesses by registering deceptively similar usernames. Meta launched the feature globally for WhatsApp's estimated 850 million users two days ago, allowing them to reserve handles. Usernames haven't been operationalised yet. ETtech "We will study the legality of WhatsApp usernames. If needed, a new law can be made to prevent digital impersonatio…

WhatsApp's reply on notice over 'username' feature due July 9: IT Secretary WhatsApp had sought some more time to submit its response on the 'username' feature and had assured the government that it would not roll it out in India until discussions are complete

WhatsApp Usernames faces India scrutiny: Govt halts roll out, gives ... WhatsApp’s upcoming privacy feature “Usernames” is facing scrutiny in India amid concerns over scams, impersonation and identity theft. The government has reportedly asked Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, to pause the username reservation update and provide an explanation within three days. According to a Reuters report, the Ministry of Information Technology has taken note of WhatsApp's announcement about its upcoming username feature. This feature lets users create a unique username and start conversations with others without sharing their phone number. However, the feature is not officially live in India, and it is already asking users to reserve their desired username. Must read:WhatsApp usernames: Why India's top creators fear scams, impersonation and identity theft Meta also revealed that it has reserved usernames for public figures, government entities and verified Meta accounts to help prevent ​impersonation. Why India’s IT ministry is concerned about WhatsApp Username feature? The report highlighted that the IT ministry has expressed concerns over WhatsApp’s Username feature, saying that it could…

India gives WhatsApp three days to defend username rollout amid security fears Government of the messenger's largest market demands a pause while Meta explains how it plans to stop impersonators #hackernews #meta #news

Govt issues notice to Meta over WhatsApp username feature, seeks ... The government on Wednesday issued a notice to WhatsApp seeking a detailed explanation of a newly announced feature, which allows users to reserve unique usernames and connect without sharing phone numbers, saying it would raise the risks of impersonation, identity theft and digital fraud on the Meta-owned messaging platform. WhatsAppshould hold off from rolling out the feature until consultations on the matter were completed and furnish the explanation within three days, the Union ministry of electronics and information technology said in the notice, seen by HT. The company, which announced the feature as a major privacy upgrade on Monday, has started allowing users to reserve usernames. Also Read |How does WhatsApp's new username feature work? Here's how you can chat without phone number A senior official at the ministry told HT that a consultation will be held soon with the platform to discuss the risks posed by the new feature. “It is felt that the feature may materially increase the incidence of online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams and impersonation attacks, by enabling bad actors to solicit and…

Watch: Explained: why is the Indian govt telling Whatsapp to put its new username feature on hold? WhatsApp is preparing to introduce a new feature that would allow users to communicate using usernames instead of phone numbers. But before the feature could be rolled out, the Union government stepped in and asked the platform to put its plans on hold. So, why is the government concerned?

Telegram, Signal under Centre's scanner over username feature after WhatsApp Indian authorities are ramping up their scrutiny of messaging apps, questioning both Telegram and Signal about their unique username features. This move mirrors previous discussions with WhatsApp concerning alarming trends in online fraud and impersonation. The government is keen on understanding how these platforms ensure user safety and traceability, prompting Telegram to clarify its current functionalities regarding username use.

WhatsApp username feature explained: Why India has asked WhatsApp to ... WhatsApp username feature rollout explained: The government has asked Meta-owned WhatsApp to not roll out its upcoming username feature over concerns of impersonation and fraud. In a notice issued to the company Wednesday, the IT Ministry has given WhatsApp three days to furnish a detailed explanation on the username feature. Earlier this week, WhatsApp announced it would gradually allow users to select a username and hide their phone numbers when contacting another user for the first time. It is an optional unique identifier a user can choose for her WhatsApp account. It can also be used by others to message or call people on WhatsApp, while keeping the phone number private. Though the company is billing the feature to make WhatsApp conversations more private as people would need to know the exact username of a person while contacting them if they do not already have their phone number, some are concerned that bad actors could misrepresent their identities by pretending to be someone they are not. Messaging services like Telegram and Signal already have their own versions of such a feature. It is worth no…

Govt warns of strict action amid fraud concerns over WhatsApp usernames Authorities have issued a stern warning to WhatsApp regarding its new username feature, emphasizing that the platform will be held legally accountable for any cyber fraud or impersonation facilitated by the update. The government is scrutinizing the feature, which could allow users to adopt names similar to official entities, raising significant concerns about potential misuse. WhatsApp, however, defends the update as a privacy enhancement, claiming built-in safeguards against abuse.

Username row: Govt sends notice to Telegram, Signal Synopsis Sources said that in the notice to Telegram, the government has asked the platform why it should be allowed to retain the username feature. On Wednesday, the Centre issued a notice to Meta over the username feature on WhatsApp, citing concerns that it could materially increase online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams, and impersonation attacks. Listen to this article in summarized format Listen Username row: After Meta, Centre issues notices to Telegram, Signal After sending a notice to WhatsApp, the IT Ministry has now sent a notice to Telegram and Signal, raising questions on their existing username feature and asking how the platforms are addressing concerns related to fraud and impersonation, according to a source. Sources said that in the notice to Telegram, the government has asked the platform why it should be allowed to retain the username feature. On Wednesday, the Centre issued a notice to Meta over the username feature on WhatsApp, citing concerns that it could materially increase online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams, and impersonation attacks. It had also directed WhatsApp to pause the feature unt…

WhatsApp gets more time to respond on usernames, pauses India rollout Meta-owned WhatsApp has been granted additional time to respond to the Centre's notice over its proposed username feature and has assured the government that it will not introduce the feature in India until consultations are completed, according to sources. The messaging platform has been given three more days to submit its response after seeking an extension, sources toldPTI. The original deadline expired on Friday, 3 July. The username feature would allow users to communicate on WhatsApp without sharing their phone numbers, a move the government fears could make online fraud and impersonation easier. Last week, the Centre issued a notice to Meta questioning the planned feature, warning that it could materially increase phishing attempts, digital arrest scams, identity theft and other cybercrimes. It directed the company to keep the feature on hold until discussions are completed "to the satisfaction of the Government". Sources said Meta has assured the IT ministry that the feature will not be rolled out in India while those discussions are underway. A Meta delegation met officials from the Ministry on Frid…

'Username feature facilitates cybercrime': Centre on IT notices to ... Sign in Welcome! Log into your account Forgot your password? Get help Password recovery Recover your password A password will be e-mailed to you. 'Username feature facilitates cybercrime': Centre on IT notices to WhatsApp, Telegram & Signal India 2 min. Read ‘Username feature facilitates cybercrime’: Centre on IT notices to WhatsApp, Telegram & Signal By CurrentIndia.com July 3, 2026 Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Centre gives statement over notices to WhatsApp, Signal and Telegram NEW DELHI: The government has sought an explanation from WhatsApp over its username feature, with the IT Secretary warning it could facilitate cybercrime by enabling impersonation and identity spoofing.”We have taken up the issue of using usernames because there is a serious possibility of impersonations and there is the kind of encouragement that facilitates commit cybercrime, which is a very serious issue,” S Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, said on the sidelines of a CII conference.”This is another dimension of the way that cybercrimes can be committed, which is the reason why we …

WhatsApp username row: Meta explains how the feature works after govt ... Home » News » General » WhatsApp username row: Meta explains how the feature works after govt raises concerns WhatsApp username row: Meta explains how the feature works after govt raises concerns By Ayushi Jain | Updated on 02-Jul-2026 Add DIGIT as a preferred source Follow Us HIGHLIGHTS Meta has responded to growing concerns around its recently announced WhatsApp username feature. This came after the government asked the company to pause its rollout in India. WhatsApp said well-known names and their variations have been reserved for their legitimate owners. Ayushi Jain 02-Jul-2026 Meta has responded to growing concerns around its recently announced WhatsApp username feature. This came after the government asked the company to pause its rollout in India. The response came through a detailed post on X, where WhatsApp answered some of the most common questions about how the username feature will work and what safeguards the company has implemented. Offi…

After WhatsApp, Centre sends notices to Telegram, Signal Following a directive to Meta, the Indian government has now issued notices to Telegram and Signal, demanding explanations on their existing username systems. Authorities are seeking details on how these platforms prevent fraud, impersonation, and scams, giving them three days to respond. The government also questioned Telegram's continued offering of its username feature, citing concerns over potential cybercrime.

WhatsApp gets more time to respond on username feature, assures Centre ... ADVERTISEMENT New Delhi, Jul 6 (PTI) Meta-owned WhatsApp has been granted more time to submit its response on the contentious 'username' feature and assured the government that it will not roll it out in India until discussions are complete, according to sources. The popular messaging platform has been given three more days to file its reply to the government notice on the controversial feature as it sought more time to submit its response, sources told PTI. The username feature essentially allows people on the messaging platform to communicate without sharing their phone numbers. Last Wednesday, the Centre issued a notice to Meta questioning the planned username feature on WhatsApp, flagging concerns that it could materially increase online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams, and impersonation attacks. It directed the platform to pause the feature until consultations on the issue are completed "to the satisfaction of the Government". Sources said WhatsApp has been given three more days to submit its reply to the IT Ministry. The original deadline for submission was Friday. According to sources, t…

WhatsApp gets more time to reply to username notice, assures no India ... Synopsis WhatsApp has received an extension to respond to the government's concerns regarding its new username feature. Assuring authorities it won't launch the feature in India until discussions conclude, the platform was granted three extra days to submit its reply. The government had previously flagged potential increases in online fraud and impersonation with the feature, which allows communication without sharing phone numbers. New Delhi, Meta-owned WhatsApp has been granted more time to submit its response on the contentious 'username' feature and assured the government that it will not roll it out in India until discussions are complete, according to sources. The popular messaging platform has been given three more days to file its reply to the government notice on the controversial feature as it sought more time to submit its response, sources told PTI. The username feature essentially allows people on the messaging platform to communicate without sharing their phone numbers. Last Wednesday, the Centre issued a notice to Meta questioning the planned username feature on WhatsApp, flagging concerns tha…

WhatsApp's new username feature sparks scam fears; Ankur Warikoo warns, Dhruv Rathee reacts WhatsApp's upcoming username feature, designed for privacy by allowing users to connect without sharing phone numbers, is sparking concerns about increased online impersonation in India. Entrepreneur Ankur Warikoo highlighted how scammers could create similar usernames to public figures, making it difficult to verify authenticity. This has ignited a debate, with many questioning Meta's commitment to combating fraud across its platforms.

WhatsApp usernames decoded: Your questions answered, government's concerns explained India's government has urged Meta to halt WhatsApp usernames, citing concerns over potential impersonation and cybercrime. While Meta claims usernames enhance privacy by obscuring phone numbers, officials fear it could aid bad actors. The feature allows users to create unique handles, but the government seeks assurances on its security before widespread adoption. This move could significantly impact how users interact and protect their digital identities.

'Optional, protected, not searchable': WhatsApp answers FAQs on 'Username' feature WhatsApp is clarifying its upcoming username feature amidst government concerns about potential fraud and impersonation. The company assures users usernames are optional and will not be publicly searchable. Existing popular names are reserved for legitimate owners. However, the Indian government has asked Meta to halt the rollout until consultations are complete, citing risks of scams and identity spoofing.