Government receives WhatsApp's reply on 'username' feature notice; response being examined

New Delhi, India Jul 10, 2026 ALN: The government has received WhatsApp's reply to the notice regarding its proposed 'username' feature and is currently examining it, according to sources. This development is significant as it highlights the ongoing scrutiny that digital communication platforms are facing in India, particularly regarding user safety and data protection.

The notice was issued to the Meta-owned messaging platform last Wednesday, questioning WhatsApp's proposed username feature. The government flagged concerns that this feature could materially increase online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams, and impersonation attacks. The Centre had also directed the platform not to launch the feature until consultations on the issue are completed "to the satisfaction of the government." This move is part of a broader regulatory framework that aims to ensure that digital platforms operate within the legal boundaries set by the Indian government, particularly in light of increasing cybercrimes.

The username feature essentially allows users on the messaging platform to communicate without sharing their phone numbers. While this could enhance user privacy and anonymity, it also raises significant concerns about the potential misuse of such anonymity. Fraudsters and malicious actors often exploit new features on social media platforms to perpetrate scams and impersonate others, which is why the government's caution is seen as a necessary step to safeguard users.

Subsequently, WhatsApp requested additional time to submit its response on the proposed 'username' feature and assured the government that it would not roll it out in India until discussions are complete. This indicates that WhatsApp is taking the government's concerns seriously and is willing to engage in dialogue to address these issues. According to sources, WhatsApp's reply was received on Thursday night and is currently under examination. The outcome of this examination could have significant implications for the future of the feature in India.

There has been no official statement yet from WhatsApp regarding the submission made to the IT Ministry. This lack of transparency may lead to speculation about the nature of their response and the potential implications for users in India.

Earlier on Thursday, IT Secretary S. Krishnan, speaking on the sidelines of the CII GCC Business Summit, mentioned that WhatsApp's reply on the username notice was due. When asked whether two other messaging platforms, Telegram and Signal, had responded to the notices sent to them regarding the 'username' feature, Krishnan stated: "There is still a little more time, so the replies have not yet been received...we will examine this issue." This indicates that the government is taking a comprehensive approach to regulating all platforms that may introduce similar features, ensuring that they comply with the standards set forth by the IT Act.

Last Friday, a team from Meta met with officials in the IT Ministry following the notice summoning them. This meeting underscores the importance of collaboration between the government and tech companies in addressing the challenges posed by digital communication. In the notice, the government asked Meta to explain why action should not be initiated under the IT Act and rules concerning WhatsApp's new feature that may increase cybercrimes. It also reminded Meta that WhatsApp, as a significant social media intermediary, is bound by due diligence obligations under the IT Act and rules. This legal framework is designed to hold companies accountable for the safety and security of their users.

A WhatsApp spokesperson stated last week that the ability to use a username is not yet live and will roll out slowly later this year. The company appears to be cautious in its approach, likely influenced by the regulatory environment in India. "To protect against impersonation, we've held the highest-profile names—think public figures, government entities, celebrities, verified Meta accounts—so they can only ever be claimed by their legitimate owners. Lookalike derivatives of known names are held as well," the spokesperson said. This proactive measure is aimed at preventing misuse of the feature by ensuring that only legitimate users can claim high-profile usernames.

Users still require a phone number to use WhatsApp, and the company has built multiple layers of defense against scams into usernames. "Other users need to know the exact username to message you. We will limit how many new people an account can contact, block repeated attempts to guess someone's username key, and have systems to detect and remove activity showing common impersonation and abuse patterns," the company added. These measures indicate that WhatsApp is aware of the potential risks and is taking steps to mitigate them, although the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen.

WhatsApp will indicate whether a first-time sender is a new account, contact, mutual group member, or from another country before users respond. This feature aims to provide users with more context about who is trying to contact them, thereby empowering them to make informed decisions about whether to engage with the sender. "When the feature becomes available, and someone sends a message for the first time via your username, we will show you if they're a new account, if they're your contact, if you have groups in common, and if they're based in a different country, so you can decide whether to respond," WhatsApp explained. This transparency could potentially reduce the incidence of scams and impersonation attempts, but it also places the onus on users to remain vigilant.

After sending a notice to WhatsApp, the IT Ministry also issued notices to Telegram and Signal, raising questions about their existing 'username' features and how they are addressing concerns related to fraud and impersonation risks. This indicates that the government is not only focusing on WhatsApp but is also looking at the broader landscape of messaging platforms and their responsibilities. While WhatsApp has 500 million users in India, Telegram's reach is significantly smaller. However, the implications of these regulatory actions could have a ripple effect across the industry, prompting other platforms to reassess their features and security measures.

Notably, in recent days, Meta and Telegram have faced regulatory scrutiny on other issues as well. The government issued a stern notice to Meta regarding child sexual abuse material in Instagram ads last Saturday, while Telegram was directed to crack down on the "widespread dissemination" of pirated films, OTT content, and other audiovisual material through its platform. These actions reflect a growing trend of regulatory oversight aimed at ensuring that digital platforms operate responsibly and protect users from harmful content and activities. The outcomes of these regulatory actions will likely shape the future of digital communication in India, influencing how platforms develop features and engage with their user base.