WhatsApp’s Username Feature: Govt Mulls Uniform Social Media Rules

New Delhi, India Jul 11, 2026 ALN: Amid the ongoing row over WhatsApp’s username feature, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is reportedly formulating uniform standards for messaging platforms operating in the country. The move comes as the Indian government seeks to address regulatory discrepancies in the burgeoning digital communication landscape, particularly as it pertains to user safety and privacy.

A government official indicated that these common standards would oversee social media features and build a "legal backing" for stopping the rollout of such offerings. This development effectively aims to close a regulatory gap that allows certain messaging platforms to introduce features like usernames while the Centre imposes restrictions on others, such as WhatsApp and Telegram.

"We are also looking at bringing in common standards for messaging platforms so there is legal backing for such decisions. It cannot be that we stop one platform from rolling out a feature while allowing others to continue offering the same thing. The rules have to be uniform for everyone. We will discuss this with all messaging platforms before taking a final decision," the official reportedly stated. This indicates a significant shift towards a more regulated approach to digital communication in India, where messaging platforms have become integral to daily life.

Concerns surrounding WhatsApp’s username feature are primarily rooted in potential risks associated with impersonation, online fraud, and digital arrest scams. The government official elaborated, "We are not in favour of WhatsApp introducing this feature. Given its massive user base in India, usernames could make impersonation, digital arrest scams, online fraud and even investigations by law enforcement more difficult." This statement underscores the government's apprehension about the implications of such features on user safety and law enforcement efforts.

The development comes barely a day after both WhatsApp and Telegram submitted their respective replies to MeitY’s notices. The Centre is said to be examining both responses, suggesting that the government is taking a cautious approach to the introduction of new features that could have far-reaching consequences. Messaging platform Signal, which also received a notice from MeitY on July 3, is reportedly yet to reply, leaving its stance on the matter unclear.

On the other hand, SaaS major Zoho’s messaging platform Arattai informed users that it was disabling its username-based feature "to comply with the regulatory change." This action may reflect a broader trend among tech companies to prioritize compliance with government regulations, especially in a country where digital privacy and safety are under increasing scrutiny.

What’s The Contentious Feature?

The controversy surrounding WhatsApp’s username feature arises from Meta’s recent announcement regarding its phased global rollout. The feature would allow users to reserve a unique handle and communicate without sharing their phone numbers. Meta has argued that usernames would reduce phone-number harvesting from group chats, limit exposure to SIM-swap attacks, and give users greater control over who can contact them.

Furthermore, Meta has stated that it has reserved usernames for public figures, government entities, celebrities, and verified Meta accounts, ensuring that they can only be claimed by legitimate owners. Additionally, the company has implemented measures to block lookalike variations to reduce impersonation risks. However, it is important to note that users will still need a phone number to create and use a WhatsApp account, which raises questions about the effectiveness of the username feature in enhancing user privacy.

Within 48 hours of Meta's announcement, MeitY issued a notice to the company, seeking a detailed explanation of its proposed username feature. The ministry also directed Meta to refrain from rolling out the feature in India until satisfactory consultations were completed. This rapid response highlights the government's proactive stance in regulating digital communication platforms, especially those with significant user bases.

During a subsequent meeting with Meta representatives, MeitY officials expressed their concerns over the proposed feature and sought details on the safeguards built into the offering. This scrutiny was not limited to WhatsApp; it expanded to include Telegram and Signal, which also received notices regarding their respective username-based messaging platforms. The government's approach indicates a comprehensive review of the implications of such features across multiple platforms.

What’s The Centre’s Stand?

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 contends that the username feature, instead of visible phone numbers, could make it easier for cybercriminals to contact victims anonymously. This concern is particularly relevant given the rising incidence of cybercrime in India, where the government fears that the username feature could exacerbate issues related to phishing, impersonation, financial fraud, and digital arrest scams.

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 underscores the responsibility that platforms like WhatsApp bear in ensuring user safety and adhering to regulatory frameworks designed to protect users from digital threats.

The Centre’s contention is not without merit. The country continues to grapple with rising cybercrimes, with reports indicating that Indians lost ₹22,495 Cr in 2025 due to various online frauds. This statistic prompts a wider debate over whether username-based identities improve privacy or make online fraud harder to trace. As the digital landscape evolves, the balance between user privacy and safety becomes increasingly complex, necessitating careful consideration from both the government and the tech companies involved.

In conclusion, the ongoing discussions surrounding WhatsApp’s username feature and the government's regulatory approach reflect a significant moment in India's digital communication landscape. As messaging platforms continue to innovate and introduce new features, the need for uniform standards and legal backing becomes increasingly critical to ensure a safe and secure online environment for all users. The outcomes of these deliberations will likely set important precedents for how digital communication is regulated in India, influencing not only user safety but also the operational frameworks of tech companies operating in the region.