Indian authorities have requested that Meta postpone the introduction of its new username feature on WhatsApp within the country. The government expressed anxiety that the update could facilitate increased instances of impersonation and online scams.
Reports indicate that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology sent a formal letter to Meta highlighting the potential for phishing and digital arrest schemes. Officials are particularly worried that malicious actors might adopt false identities to target users who lack advanced digital literacy skills. The ministry has requested a freeze on the launch until further consultations can be conducted.
WhatsApp, which serves over half a billion users in India, claims the feature is meant to improve privacy by allowing people to connect without sharing phone numbers. In response to the concerns, Meta stated that the feature is not currently active in India and noted that they have implemented safeguards. The company clarified that they have already reserved specific usernames for verified accounts and public figures to prevent unauthorized use.
This request comes amid a significant rise in cybercrime throughout India. Government data suggests that citizens lost nearly $3 billion to digital fraud in 2025. Meta recently appointed Kunal Shah to lead its operations in the country as the firm navigates these regulatory challenges.
