Meta Submits Response To Centre’s Notice On WhatsApp’s Username Feature

New Delhi, India Jul 10, 2026 ALN: Days after the Centre issued a notice to Meta-owned WhatsApp over its proposed username feature, the messaging platform has submitted its response. This development marks a significant moment in the ongoing dialogue between the Indian government and tech companies regarding user safety and privacy in the digital space.

According to a PTI report, WhatsApp’s reply was received yesterday night and is currently under examination by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). There has been no official word yet from the company regarding the submission, which leaves some uncertainty about the specifics of their response and whether it addresses all the concerns raised by the government.

This scrutiny follows MeitY’s notice to Meta last week, which sought a detailed explanation of the proposed feature that would allow users to communicate without sharing their phone numbers. This feature, while designed to enhance user privacy, has raised alarms among officials about potential misuse.

The central government also directed the tech giant not to roll out the feature in India until consultations are completed to the government's satisfaction. This precautionary measure reflects the government's commitment to ensuring that any changes to communication platforms do not inadvertently increase risks to users.

Initially, the Centre had given WhatsApp three days to respond to the notice. However, after the company sought additional time to prepare a comprehensive reply, the deadline was extended to July 9. WhatsApp assured the government that it would not launch the feature in India until discussions were concluded, indicating a willingness to cooperate with regulatory bodies.

Last week, Meta representatives met with MeitY officials, where the ministry raised concerns regarding various aspects of the proposed feature. Key issues included privacy, user safety, phishing, impersonation, online fraud, and digital arrest scams. The government sought detailed information on the safeguards that would be built into the username feature to mitigate these risks.

Speaking on the sidelines of the CII GCC Business Summit, IT Secretary S. Krishnan emphasized that WhatsApp’s response was anticipated and necessary for further evaluation. This indicates that the government is taking a proactive stance in regulating digital communication platforms, especially as they play a central role in the lives of millions of users.

The scrutiny has not been limited to WhatsApp alone; it has also extended to other messaging platforms. MeitY has issued similar notices to Telegram and Signal regarding their own username-based messaging systems. This broader examination signals the government's intent to create a comprehensive framework for ensuring user safety across various platforms.

Meanwhile, Krishnan also mentioned that MeitY is prepared to evaluate whether Meta’s Muse Image feature complies with India’s legal framework, should a complaint be received. Muse Image is an AI-powered image generation and editing tool that enables users to create, modify, and transform images using text prompts. The introduction of such features raises additional questions about content moderation, issues, and the potential for misuse.

On the subject of notices sent to Telegram and Signal, Krishnan stated that the government is still awaiting their responses and will examine the matter once they are received. This approach suggests a thorough and methodical process in addressing the implications of username-based communication systems.

What’s The Centre’s Objection?

In its notice, the government asked Meta to explain why action should not be initiated under the Information Technology Act and the IT Rules concerning WhatsApp’s proposed feature. The government’s concerns hinge on the potential for cybercriminals to exploit the anonymity afforded by usernames, thereby facilitating malicious activities.

According to the ministry, allowing users to communicate through usernames instead of visible phone numbers could make it easier for cybercriminals to contact victims anonymously. This raises alarms about the increased risk of phishing attacks, impersonation, financial fraud, and digital arrest scams. The government aims to protect users from these threats, which have become increasingly prevalent in the digital age.

The government also reminded Meta that WhatsApp, as a Significant Social Media Intermediary (SSMI), is required to comply with due diligence obligations under the IT Act and related rules. This classification imposes specific responsibilities on WhatsApp to ensure that its platform is not misused for illegal activities and that user data is handled responsibly.

What Is WhatsApp’s Username Feature?

On June 29, Meta announced the phased global rollout of WhatsApp usernames, allowing users to reserve a unique handle beginning with the ‘@’ symbol and communicate without sharing their phone numbers. This feature is positioned as WhatsApp’s most significant identity overhaul since its inception, with the promise of enhancing user privacy.

The company described the username feature as a means to reduce phone number harvesting from group chats, limit SIM swap attacks, and give users greater control over who can contact them. By allowing users to communicate through usernames, Meta aims to create a safer environment for its users, particularly in an era where personal data is frequently targeted by malicious actors.

Meta also indicated that it has reserved usernames for public figures, government entities, celebrities, and verified Meta accounts to ensure that they can only be claimed by legitimate owners. Additionally, the company plans to block lookalike variations to further reduce the risks of impersonation. This proactive measure is intended to bolster trust in the platform and protect users from identity theft.

However, it is important to note that users will still need a phone number to create and use a WhatsApp account. This requirement underscores the platform's ongoing reliance on phone numbers as a primary means of user identification, even as it introduces a new layer of anonymity through usernames.

Meta maintains that usernames are intended to strengthen privacy by reducing the exposure of users’ phone numbers, which are increasingly shared across group chats, communities, and business interactions. The company argues that this change is a necessary evolution in the way users interact on the platform, especially as concerns about privacy and security continue to grow.

The introduction of the username feature comes at a time when India is grappling with rising cybercrime, with losses touching ₹22,495 crore in 2025. This statistic highlights the urgency of addressing the challenges posed by digital communication and the need for effective regulatory frameworks to protect users. The ongoing debate over whether username-based identities improve privacy or make online fraud harder to trace remains a critical issue for both the government and tech companies.

As the situation develops, the implications of WhatsApp's username feature could have far-reaching consequences for user privacy, cybersecurity, and the regulatory landscape in India. The outcome of these discussions may set a precedent for how digital communication platforms operate within the country and how they balance innovation with user safety.