New Delhi, July 11 : Meta has informed the Central government that it will not introduce WhatsApp’s proposed username feature in India until ongoing consultations with authorities are completed and all regulatory concerns have been addressed. The assurance comes after the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) raised objections over the potential security risks associated with replacing mobile number based identification with unique usernames.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Meta submitted its response to MeitY on Thursday, reiterating its commitment to complying with Indian laws aimed at preventing cybercrime and protecting users from online fraud. The company assured officials that it would work closely with the government before moving ahead with the feature’s rollout in the country.
The government’s intervention follows growing concerns that allowing users to communicate primarily through usernames instead of verified mobile numbers could make it easier for cybercriminals to hide their identities. Officials fear the change may encourage impersonation, phishing attacks, fake government accounts and the growing menace of digital arrest scams that have affected thousands of internet users across India.
MeitY had recently issued formal notices to Meta, Telegram and Signal, directing the messaging platforms to pause any plans to introduce username-based identification until a comprehensive assessment of the associated risks is completed. The ministry sought detailed explanations on how these companies intend to prevent misuse of the feature and safeguard users against identity-related fraud.
Sources said Telegram has also submitted its response to the ministry, although the contents have not been made public. Government officials are currently examining the submissions before deciding the next course of action. It remains unclear whether Signal has responded to the notice issued by the ministry.
In its communication with the government, Meta reportedly stated that the username feature is part of a global rollout planned for later this year. However, the company clarified that the feature would not be activated in India until discussions with regulators are concluded and all compliance requirements are satisfied.
Despite the government’s directive, WhatsApp users in India can still access the option to reserve or edit a preferred username within the application. Industry sources clarified that these usernames have not yet been officially assigned, as the feature itself has not been activated for public use. The reservation interface is currently being displayed as part of preparations for the broader global launch.
The username feature is designed to provide users with an additional privacy option by allowing them to connect with others without sharing their mobile numbers. Instead, individuals can communicate using a unique username, similar to systems already available on several other messaging platforms.
However, Indian authorities have expressed concern that such anonymity could weaken existing mechanisms used by law enforcement agencies to investigate online crimes. Officials believe fraudsters could exploit usernames to create convincing fake identities, making it more difficult for victims to verify genuine accounts.
The government’s caution reflects its broader efforts to strengthen digital safety as cyber fraud cases continue to rise. Over the past year, authorities have repeatedly warned citizens about sophisticated scams involving fake officials, fraudulent investment schemes, phishing messages and impersonation of public institutions.
Meta has maintained that user safety remains a priority and has assured regulators that it will continue to follow India’s legal framework while developing new privacy-focused features. The company has not publicly commented on the government’s notice or the timeline for the feature’s availability in India.
WhatsApp had first announced the optional username feature last month and opened early reservations in several regions on June 29 as part of its phased global rollout strategy. Soon afterwards, MeitY directed the company to suspend the feature’s launch in India and submit a detailed explanation of the safeguards built into the system. The ministry initially provided five days for a response before extending the deadline by an additional three days.
For now, the rollout of WhatsApp usernames in India remains on hold as government officials continue evaluating the responses received from Meta and other messaging platforms. Any future launch is expected to depend on whether the companies can adequately address concerns related to cyber security, user verification and protection against online fraud.