India has asked WhatsApp to hold back its new username feature, warning that hiding phone numbers could make it easier for scammers, fraudsters, and impersonators to target millions of users across the country.
India has asked WhatsApp to delay the rollout of its upcoming username feature over concerns that it could lead to more online fraud, phishing attacks and identity scams.
The feature, which is expected to launch globally in the coming months, would allow people to chat on WhatsApp using unique usernames instead of sharing their phone numbers. While the change is designed to improve user privacy, Indian authorities believe it could also make it easier for criminals to hide their identities.
In a notice sent by India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the government asked WhatsApp not to introduce the feature until it addresses the country’s concerns.
The ministry also demanded an explanation from the Meta-owned messaging platform on why action should not be taken against it under Indian law for introducing a feature that authorities believe could increase cybercrime.
Officials warned that usernames could be used by fraudsters to impersonate individuals, government agencies, banks and other trusted organisations.
According to the notice, the feature “may materially increase the incidence of online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams and impersonation attacks.”
Authorities also said usernames that closely resemble genuine identities could make it difficult for users to distinguish between legitimate accounts and fake ones.
WhatsApp, however, said the feature has not yet been launched and insisted that several safeguards have already been built into the system.
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The company said high-profile usernames belonging to public figures, celebrities, verified Meta accounts and government institutions would be reserved so they cannot be claimed by impersonators.
A Meta spokesperson also explained that users would still need a valid phone number to create a WhatsApp account.
“Other users need to know the exact username to message you,” the spokesperson said.
The company added that it would limit how many new people an account could contact, block repeated attempts to guess usernames and use automated systems to detect impersonation and abusive behaviour.
WhatsApp also said users would receive additional information whenever someone contacts them for the first time, including whether the account is newly created, belongs to someone already in their contacts, shares mutual groups or is based in another country.
India remains WhatsApp’s largest market, with more than 850 million users relying on the messaging app for daily communication, business and digital payments.
The government’s concerns come as cybercrime continues to rise across the country.
Official data shows that nearly 102,000 cybercrime cases were recorded in 2024, representing an 18% increase from the previous year. Around three-quarters of those cases involved online fraud.
Digital rights organisation Internet Freedom Foundation criticised the government’s move, arguing that existing laws do not give authorities the power to block software features before they are launched.
“The power to require prior permission for a feature is not in the Information Technology Act, not in the Rules, and cannot be created by a notice,” the organisation said.
The latest dispute adds to growing scrutiny of global technology companies operating in India.
Earlier this year, the government introduced tougher rules requiring social media companies to remove illegal content within three hours after being notified. Authorities also temporarily restricted Telegram during the retest of a national medical entrance examination, arguing that certain platform features complicated law enforcement efforts.
For now, WhatsApp says the username feature will only be introduced in phases later this year, while discussions with Indian authorities continue over the security and safety concerns surrounding the rollout.
