Centre Halts WhatsApp Username Rollout Amid Fraud Concerns

The Central Government has issued a formal notice to Meta, mandating an immediate halt to the rollout of the new username feature on WhatsApp. Authorities have directed the platform to provide a detailed explanation regarding the security architecture of this feature within three days. Officials indicated that the decision follows significant concerns regarding the potential for identity spoofing and cybercrime, as users could adopt handles that mimic public figures, government agencies, or institutional entities.

Meta recently announced that the username feature, intended to allow users to connect without revealing phone numbers, would roll out globally with an optional unique @ identifier. While the company presented this as a privacy-focused advancement similar to platforms like Telegram and Instagram, security experts and government officials argue that the lack of stringent verification protocols creates severe vulnerabilities. Concerns center on the ease with which bad actors could register deceptive handles, thereby facilitating impersonation and fraud against unsuspecting users.

The platform must now address these regulatory queries before any further deployment can proceed in India. Meta has published initial FAQs claiming that specific usernames are reserved for businesses and officials to mitigate such risks, yet this has not satisfied the government's current security requirements. The outcome of the upcoming consultation will determine if the feature undergoes significant modifications or remains blocked to prioritize public safety and national security in the digital space.