Last Updated on July 2, 2026 12:43 am by BIZNAMA NEWS
Staff Reporter
Soon after WhatsApp introduced ‘username’ – a feature which would allow users to create a unique handle instead of sharing their phone numbers – the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued a notice to the messaging platform directing it to furnish a detailed explanation of the feature within three days, people familiar with the matter said on Wednesday.
WhatsApp announced the new feature on Monday, saying it would give people the option to go by usernames instead of phone numbers, addressing a privacy blind spot. It has already begun allowing users to reserve unique usernames, which can be used to contact WhatsApp users when the feature launches later this year.
The government issued a notice to Meta regarding the rollout of the username feature on WhatsApp in India. Sources said that the Ministry of Information and Technology directed Meta to furnish a detailed explanation on the usernames feature within three days. The Ministry also directed Meta not to roll out the usernames feature until consultation on the matter is over.
The notice issued by MeitY said there was apprehension 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.
Sources said that the Ministry has taken note of a public announcement by WhatsApp that it has commenced a phased global rollout, including in India, of its Usernames feature. It said that once the feature is enabled, the recipient’s phone number will no longer be visible to a first-time contact and that an optional username key may be set as an additional control.
Sources said there are concerns that the feature may increase incidence of online frauds, phishing, digital arrest scams and impersonation attacks. Concerns have also been raised that the feature may facilitate impersonation and identity spoofing.