India pushes back on WhatsApp username feature over fraud fears

WhatsApp is preparing to roll out a new username system that lets users start chats without sharing phone numbers. The feature, slated for global release later in 2026, is intended to improve privacy but has drawn criticism from security experts who warn it could facilitate impersonation, phishing and other fraud.

India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued a formal notice to Meta, demanding clarification on safeguards and threatening action under the IT Act. Officials said the usernames could make it easier for criminals to hide identities and increase online scams. The ministry set a deadline for Meta’s response, which the company missed, prompting a further delay of any rollout in India until consultations are complete.

Meta has assured the Indian government that the feature will not be launched there until regulatory concerns are addressed, while continuing to reserve high‑profile names for verified owners. Consumer groups in Germany and other regions have also highlighted risks of identity theft and cross‑platform tracking if usernames are linked to other Meta services. The controversy underscores the tension between privacy‑enhancing innovations and the need for robust fraud prevention in a messenger used by over three billion people worldwide, including roughly 800 million in India.