India asks Meta to pause WhatsApp username rollout, gives three days for response
India requested Meta to halt the rollout of WhatsApp's new username feature over concerns about fraud and impersonation, and set a three‑day deadline for the company to explain or defend the update. The feature would allow users to reserve a unique name and later message others without sharing phone numbers, according to SCMP. OpenTheMagazine reported that Indian officials said the feature could
India asked Meta to halt the rollout of WhatsApp usernames over fraud and impersonation concerns. The Indian government gave WhatsApp three days to provide an explanation or defend the rollout of the username feature.
According to SCMP, the WhatsApp username feature would let users reserve a unique username and eventually message others without sharing phone numbers.
OpenTheMagazine reported that the Indian government expressed that the feature could increase online fraud, phishing attacks, digital arrest scams, and identity impersonation.
Times of India reported that the government warned WhatsApp it could be held legally accountable for any cyber fraud or impersonation facilitated by the update, and also that Meta says the feature is a privacy enhancement with built‑in safeguards against abuse.
Bluesky reported that India is the largest market for WhatsApp.
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