Centre Blocks WhatsApp Username Feature Launch Until Government Review
The Indian government has directed WhatsApp not to launch its new username feature in the country until consultations with the authorities are completed. The notice, issued on Wednesday, asks Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, to provide a detailed explanation of the feature within three days.
The feature, announced publicly on June 29, 2026, allows users to create unique usernames and eventually conduct conversations using only these usernames, without sharing their mobile phone numbers. India is one of WhatsApp's largest markets, with over 500 million users.
The government's move comes amid concerns over privacy, security, and potential misuse of the feature. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has sought a comprehensive briefing on how the feature works, how it handles user data, and what safeguards are in place to prevent fraud or illegal activities.
Meta has been asked to submit its response within three days. Until the review is complete, the government has directed that the feature not be rolled out in India. The company has not yet publicly commented on the notice.
This development follows a pattern of increased scrutiny of digital platforms in India, with the government emphasizing the need to comply with local laws and ensure user safety.
