India Warns Meta Over WhatsApp Username Feature Amid Scam, Fraud Concerns

NEW DELHI, July 1: The Indian government has asked Meta to pause the rollout of WhatsApp’s upcoming username feature in the country, citing concerns that it could increase risks of online fraud and impersonation, the Press Trust of India reported Wednesday.

According to sources cited in the report, authorities sent a notice to Meta requesting a detailed explanation of the feature within three days and directed the company not to introduce it in India until consultations are completed.

Officials reportedly warned that allowing users to connect through usernames instead of phone numbers could potentially increase risks linked to phishing, digital arrest scams, online fraud and identity impersonation.

The government also asked Meta to explain why action should not be taken under India’s Information Technology Act and related regulations over the feature.

WhatsApp’s new username system is designed to allow users to create unique usernames and share them with others instead of revealing their phone numbers when starting conversations. The feature is expected to be introduced gradually worldwide in the coming months.

Meta has said it is implementing safeguards to prevent impersonation and misuse of the feature.

WhatsApp, one of the world’s largest messaging platforms, has more than 3 billion users globally.