WhatsApp delays rollout of optional username feature in India after government objections

WhatsApp, owned by Meta, announced an optional "Username" feature that would let users chat without displaying their phone numbers. The company said the feature is voluntary, includes safeguards such as reserved usernames for verified accounts and a forthcoming "username key" for added protection, and would continue to work with phone numbers as the primary identifier.

The Indian government raised privacy and security concerns, warning that the feature could facilitate online scams and fake accounts. It issued a notice requiring WhatsApp to provide a detailed explanation within three days and ordered that the feature not be introduced in India until discussions are completed. In response, WhatsApp confirmed it will postpone the rollout in India pending government approval.