India Directs WhatsApp to Halt Username Rollout, Seeks Explanation in Three Days
The Indian government has directed WhatsApp to pause the rollout of its planned 'usernames' feature until consultations with the authorities are completed. In a letter reviewed by Reuters, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) asked the messaging platform to explain within three days why regulatory action should not be taken against it.
The usernames feature would allow users to start conversations without revealing their phone numbers, aiming to enhance privacy. However, the government expressed concerns that this could potentially be misused for fraud or illegal activities, as it may reduce accountability.
A Meta spokesperson, on behalf of WhatsApp, confirmed that the feature is not yet live but announced that users can reserve their preferred usernames. The company stated that it has already reserved usernames for public figures, government entities, and verified Meta accounts to prevent impersonation.
WhatsApp has maintained that safeguards are in place, including robust measures against abuse. The company said it is committed to complying with Indian laws and is open to further discussions with the government to address any regulatory concerns.
This development comes amid ongoing tensions between the Indian government and digital platforms regarding data privacy, encryption, and user safety. India is WhatsApp's largest market by user base, with over 500 million users.
