New Delhi: The Government of India is likely to issue a notice to Meta over WhatsApp's upcoming global username feature, amid concerns that it could be misused for impersonation, fraud and cybercrime. Government sources said authorities will examine the feature's potential impact on public safety and national security before its wider rollout.
Quoting government sources, IANS reported that the Centre has expressed concern over the feature, saying it could make WhatsApp vulnerable to the kind of misuse seen on platforms such as Telegram.
The government will assess the potential risks posed by the feature, the sources said, adding that Meta's latest announcement has raised serious concerns.
According to the sources, the feature may allow users to create usernames resembling those of government agencies, businesses and other legitimate entities, potentially enabling impersonation, fraud and online scams.
The government will not compromise on national security or public safety, the sources added.
WhatsApp recently announced the introduction of usernames, a feature that will allow users to communicate without sharing their phone numbers. The company has opened early reservations for usernames, with the feature set to roll out globally later this year.
"Starting this week, you can reserve a username to use later this year when we launch this feature," WhatsApp said in a blog post.
According to the messaging platform, the feature is aimed at enhancing user privacy, particularly in group chats or while interacting with new contacts, by eliminating the need to share phone numbers.
Messaging platforms such as Telegram and Signal already offer similar username-based communication that allows users to hide their phone numbers.
However, India currently mandates mobile number-based registration for messaging platforms. Under the Telecom Cyber Security Rules, 2024, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) enforces strict SIM-binding requirements to help curb online fraud.
WhatsApp's username feature
WhatsApp, which has more than three billion users worldwide, said it is opening username reservations early to give users an opportunity to secure their preferred handles.
Users can reserve an optional username by navigating to Settings > Account > Username on the latest version of the app.
The platform has also introduced a username generator to help users choose unique handles.
To support content creators, small businesses and organisations, WhatsApp will allow users to claim the same usernames they already use on Instagram or Facebook, helping them maintain a consistent online identity across Meta's platforms.
The company clarified that there will be no public directory of usernames.
"People will need to know your exact username to contact you for the first time. To help control who can reach you on WhatsApp with your username, we've built an optional username key that others will need to know to message you," the company said in its blog post.
Once the feature is fully rolled out, users who enable a username will no longer have to reveal their phone numbers when messaging a person or business for the first time.
The feature will be introduced in phases over the coming months, and users will receive in-app notifications when it becomes available in their respective countries.
(with inputs from PTI)