WhatsApp Username Feature Stalls Amid India Security Review

WhatsApp has formally submitted its response to the Indian government regarding the proposed username feature, which remains on hold as the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) conducts a thorough security assessment. The government issued a formal notice on July 1, expressing concerns that the feature could increase instances of phishing, impersonation, and digital arrest scams. WhatsApp was granted a four-day extension to address these concerns before the ministry decides on a potential rollout in the domestic market.

Regulators fear that shifting away from phone-number-based identity could provide fraudsters with new avenues for identity theft and social engineering. In discussions with government officials, Meta clarified that the feature is intended to enhance privacy rather than replace phone numbers. The platform has outlined multiple security layers, including automated detection for suspicious activity and restrictions on username discovery, to prevent misuse. This regulatory scrutiny reflects the government's broader efforts to enforce accountability across messaging platforms including Telegram and Signal.

The outcome of this review will likely set a benchmark for identity verification standards for all messaging applications operating in India. Meta has assured that even with usernames, accounts remain tied to verified phone numbers, and users will retain access to standard trust signals like contact verification. As India balances user privacy with public safety, the government's decision will determine how major tech platforms implement future identity features. The ministry continues to evaluate Meta’s safeguards to ensure that the integration of such tools does not compromise consumer protection or national digital security.