WhatsApp Answers the Call: Government Reviews ‘Username’ Feature

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is currently evaluating Meta’s formal response regarding the proposed "username" feature as concerns over digital security persist.

NEW DELHI — The Indian government has officially received a response from Meta-owned WhatsApp regarding its proposed "username" feature, a development that follows intense scrutiny by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The submission, filed late Thursday, comes after the government directed the platform to halt the feature's rollout in India until security and safety concerns are addressed to the satisfaction of state authorities.

The proposed feature, which would allow users to communicate without disclosing their phone numbers, has been a flashpoint for regulatory friction. MeitY issued a formal notice to Meta on July 1, 2026, questioning how the platform intends to mitigate risks such as online fraud, phishing, identity theft, and the growing threat of "digital arrest" scams.

Navigating the Regulatory Landscape

As a "significant social media intermediary" under the Information Technology Act, 2021, WhatsApp is mandated to adhere to strict due-diligence obligations. The government’s intervention aims to ensure that any modification to the app’s infrastructure does not inadvertently create safe havens for cybercriminals.

"According to officials," the government’s primary apprehension is that by decoupling accounts from phone numbers, it becomes significantly more difficult for law enforcement agencies to trace perpetrators, particularly those operating from overseas. Officials expressed concern that bad actors could utilize deceptive usernames and stolen imagery to impersonate government entities or public figures, a trend that has prompted increased monitoring of encrypted messaging platforms.

WhatsApp’s Security Stance

In its defense, Meta has maintained that the username feature—which remains in the development phase and has not been launched in India—includes multiple layers of built-in safeguards. According to company statements, WhatsApp has designed the feature with specific anti-abuse mechanisms:

• Verified Protection: The company intends to reserve high-profile names, including those of government entities, public figures, and celebrities, to prevent impersonation.

• User Control: The feature is optional; users would need to share a unique "username key" for others to initiate contact, giving them greater control over their privacy.

• Contextual Alerts: The platform plans to provide users with specific information when receiving a first-time message via a username—such as whether the sender is a new account, a contact, or shares mutual groups—enabling more informed decisions on whether to engage.

Impact on Digital Infrastructure

The government's scrutiny is not limited to WhatsApp. The IT Ministry has also issued notices to other platforms, including Telegram and Signal, demanding details on how their existing username-based systems manage similar fraud risks. For the estimated 500 million WhatsApp users in India, the outcome of these consultations will determine how the platform evolves in the coming months.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Regulatory Status: WhatsApp has complied with the government’s request for a formal explanation and is currently under review by MeitY.

• Security Concerns: The Centre fears that phone number concealment may facilitate phishing, impersonation, and digital arrest scams.

• Mandate: WhatsApp has provided assurances that the feature will remain on hold in India until the consultation process is fully concluded to the government's satisfaction.

• Broad Scrutiny: Similar inquiries have been directed at Telegram and Signal, reflecting a wider government push to regulate messaging intermediaries.

FAQ

Why is the government concerned about WhatsApp usernames?

Authorities fear that allowing users to chat without revealing phone numbers could make it harder for law enforcement to track criminals and increase the prevalence of impersonation and fraud.

Is the "username" feature currently active?

No. WhatsApp has confirmed the feature is under development and has assured the government it will not roll it out in India until consultations are complete.

What happens next?

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is currently examining Meta’s written submission to determine if the proposed safeguards meet the government's security standards.

Source: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), The Hindu, YourStory, Business Today