India reviews WhatsApp reply on proposed username feature

The Indian government is examining a formal response from WhatsApp regarding its proposed username feature, after officials warned the rollout could increase online fraud and impersonation. WhatsApp submitted its reply to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology on Thursday, July 9, 2026, meeting a deadline set by the government.

The ministry had issued a notice to WhatsApp's parent company, Meta, the previous week, expressing serious concerns that allowing users to communicate without sharing phone numbers could lead to a rise in phishing, digital-arrest scams, and impersonation attacks. The government directed WhatsApp not to launch the feature in India until consultations were completed to its satisfaction. Following the notice, a Meta delegation met with IT ministry officials last Friday, and WhatsApp assured the government it would not roll out the feature while discussions were ongoing.

In its notice, the government asked Meta to explain why action should not be initiated under the Information Technology Act and its associated rules, arguing the feature could increase cybercrime. Officials also reminded the company of its obligations as a significant social...