Government Asks WhatsApp to Hold Username Feature Rollout in India, Seeks Detailed Safety Plan

New Delhi, 2nd July 2026: The Central Government has directed Meta-owned WhatsApp to temporarily halt the rollout of its planned username-based messaging feature in India until discussions with authorities are completed. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has also asked the platform to submit, within three days, a comprehensive explanation of how the feature will function and the safeguards it has in place to prevent misuse.

According to an official communication sent to WhatsApp’s Chief Compliance Officer, the government has taken note of the company’s proposal to allow users to create unique usernames that can be used to initiate conversations without revealing their mobile phone numbers.

If introduced, the feature would enable users to receive first-time messages through usernames instead of phone numbers. WhatsApp has also proposed an optional “username key” that users can use to secure their accounts.

While the government acknowledged that the feature could enhance user privacy, it expressed concern that it might also create new opportunities for cybercriminals. MeitY warned that easier contact through usernames could potentially lead to a rise in online fraud, phishing attempts, impersonation, and so-called “digital arrest” scams targeting unsuspecting users.

The ministry further highlighted the possibility of identity spoofing, where fraudsters could create usernames closely resembling those of individuals, government departments, financial institutions or other trusted organisations, thereby misleading users.

Referring to the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, the government questioned whether the proposed feature complies with the due diligence obligations applicable to significant social media intermediaries. These obligations include measures to address impersonation, identity theft and compliance with lawful requests for tracing the origin of messages.

The notice asked WhatsApp to explain why regulatory action should not be initiated if the feature is likely to contribute to cybercrime. Until consultations with the government are completed to its satisfaction, the company has been instructed not to introduce the username feature in India.

Responding to the government’s communication, a WhatsApp spokesperson said the username feature has not yet been launched and is expected to be introduced gradually later this year.

The company clarified that users will continue to need a mobile phone number to create and use a WhatsApp account. It said usernames are intended to provide an additional privacy option rather than replace existing account verification methods.

WhatsApp also said it has incorporated several safeguards into the feature. These include reserving usernames for public figures, government bodies, celebrities and verified Meta accounts to reduce the risk of impersonation. The company added that similar or lookalike usernames will be restricted.

According to WhatsApp, additional security measures include limits on how many new users an account can contact, protections against repeated attempts to guess usernames, and automated systems designed to detect impersonation and abusive behaviour.