WhatsApp's Username Feature Hits Regulatory Roadblock in India Over Fraud Fears
The Indian government has asked WhatsApp to pause the rollout of its upcoming usernames feature, citing concerns that it could enable online fraud and impersonation. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) sent a letter to the Meta-owned platform on Wednesday, demanding an explanation within three days on why regulatory action should not be initiated.
The usernames feature, currently being rolled out for reservation, would allow users to find and contact each other using a unique username instead of a phone number. WhatsApp says usernames will not be publicly searchable and must be entered exactly to start a conversation. Users can also set an optional 'username key' for added privacy.
However, MeitY warned that the feature could increase cases of online fraud and digital arrest scams, where fraudsters impersonate officials. The government also expressed concern that usernames resembling those of notable individuals, financial institutions, or government agencies could lead to identity spoofing. This scrutiny follows similar concerns raised about Telegram's username-based messaging feature.
India has seen a sharp rise in cybercrime, with incidents more than doubling between 2022 and 2024. Officials fear that hiding phone numbers could make it harder for law enforcement to identify perpetrators. WhatsApp maintains that its safeguards, including exact username requirements and optional keys, address these risks. The standoff highlights the tension between privacy and security in digital communication.
