New Delhi | Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp has agreed to put the rollout of its proposed username feature in India on hold after the Central government raised concerns over potential fraud and impersonation risks. The company has assured the government that the feature will not be introduced in the country until ongoing consultations with authorities are completed.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, the government has also granted WhatsApp an additional three days to respond to its notice seeking clarification on the proposed feature. The original deadline for the company’s response had expired on Friday.
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The proposed feature would allow users to communicate on WhatsApp using unique usernames instead of sharing their mobile phone numbers, offering an additional layer of privacy.
However, the Centre expressed concerns that the feature could create new opportunities for cybercriminals by making phishing, online fraud and identity impersonation more difficult to detect. Last week, the government formally asked WhatsApp to defer the rollout until its security and consumer protection concerns are adequately addressed.
A delegation from Meta met officials of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) on Friday to discuss the government’s observations and the safeguards proposed for the feature.
Earlier this week, WhatsApp stated that the username feature has been designed with multiple security protections to reduce the risks of impersonation, scams and unwanted contact ahead of its planned global rollout later this year.
Responding to frequently asked questions on social media platform X, the company clarified that creating a username will be optional and not mandatory for users. Existing WhatsApp accounts will continue to function normally with registered mobile numbers.
WhatsApp also said that usernames already associated with Instagram and Facebook accounts, as well as those belonging to public figures, celebrities, government entities and Meta Verified accounts, have been reserved so that they can only be claimed by their legitimate owners. The company said these measures are intended to minimise identity theft and impersonation.
The government’s concerns come amid a sharp rise in cyber fraud cases involving fake identities, social engineering attacks and phishing scams. Authorities are examining whether additional safeguards may be required before the feature is introduced in India.
For now, the rollout of WhatsApp’s username feature in India will remain on hold until consultations between the government and the company are completed and the Centre is satisfied with the proposed security measures.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
