WhatsApp's Reply on 'Username' Notice Due Today: IT Secretary

New Delhi, India Jul 9, 2026 ALN: Meta-owned WhatsApp's response to the government notice regarding its proposed 'username' feature is due today, as confirmed by IT Secretary S Krishnan. This feature, which allows users to communicate on the messaging platform without sharing their phone numbers, has raised significant concerns among government officials, who fear it could lead to an increase in online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams, and impersonation attacks.

Last Wednesday, the Indian government issued a formal notice to Meta, questioning the potential implications of the username feature. The decision to scrutinize this feature is part of a broader effort by the government to enhance cybersecurity and protect citizens from various online threats. The authorities are particularly wary of how the anonymity afforded by usernames could facilitate malicious activities, making it easier for bad actors to exploit unsuspecting users.

In response to the government's concerns, WhatsApp has been directed not to launch the username feature until satisfactory consultations are completed. This precautionary measure reflects the government's commitment to addressing potential risks associated with new technological features that could compromise user safety. The IT Secretary's comments underscore the urgency of the situation, indicating that the government is actively monitoring the developments surrounding this issue.

WhatsApp has requested additional time to submit its response regarding the username feature. The company has assured the government that it will refrain from rolling out the feature in India until discussions are finalized. This indicates a willingness on WhatsApp's part to engage with the government and address its concerns, potentially leading to modifications in the feature before it is made available to users.

“Today is the day when the reply is due,” Krishnan stated on the sidelines of the CII GCC Business Summit, highlighting the importance of this issue in the context of national cybersecurity. This statement indicates that the government's scrutiny of WhatsApp's features is not merely a regulatory formality but part of a larger strategy to safeguard digital communication in India.

In addition to WhatsApp, the IT Secretary mentioned that two other messaging platforms, Telegram and Signal, have also received notices concerning their existing username features. Their replies are still pending, and Krishnan noted, “There is still a little more time, so the replies have not yet been received...we will examine this issue.” This suggests that the government is taking a comprehensive approach to regulating messaging platforms, recognizing that the risks associated with usernames are not limited to WhatsApp alone.

Last Friday, a team from Meta met with officials in the IT Ministry following the notice summoning them. The government asked Meta to clarify why action should not be initiated under the IT Act concerning WhatsApp's new feature, which may exacerbate cybercrimes. The IT Act outlines the legal framework for electronic governance and security in India, and the government's reference to it indicates the seriousness with which they are treating this matter.

In the notice, the government reminded Meta that WhatsApp, as a significant social media intermediary, is bound by due diligence obligations under the IT Act and associated rules. This reinforces the expectation that major tech companies must prioritize user safety and take proactive measures to mitigate risks associated with their platforms.

A WhatsApp spokesperson stated last week that the ability to use a username is not yet live and will be rolled out gradually later this year. The spokesperson emphasized that the company is committed to user security, stating, “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 also held.” This indicates that WhatsApp is taking steps to protect high-profile users from impersonation, which is a significant concern in the digital age.

Despite the introduction of usernames, users are still required to have a phone number to use WhatsApp. This requirement serves as a layer of security, ensuring that users can still be identified and verified through their phone numbers. The company has also implemented multiple layers of defense against scams related to usernames, aiming to create a safer environment for users.

“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,” WhatsApp stated. These measures reflect an understanding of the potential risks associated with anonymity and a commitment to mitigating them.

Furthermore, WhatsApp will indicate whether a first-time sender is a new account, contact, mutual group member, or from another country before users decide to respond. This feature aims to provide users with additional context about who they are communicating with, thereby enhancing safety and reducing the likelihood of fraud or impersonation.

“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 added. This transparency is crucial in building trust among users who may be apprehensive about the implications of using a username.

Following the 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. The government's approach reflects a growing recognition of the need to regulate digital communication platforms to protect users from emerging threats in the online space.

While WhatsApp boasts approximately 500 million users in India, Telegram's user base is significantly smaller, which may impact the way these platforms are scrutinized by the government. The disparity in user numbers suggests that WhatsApp, as a dominant player in the messaging space, carries a greater responsibility to ensure user safety and compliance with regulatory standards.

In recent days, both Meta and Telegram have faced regulatory scrutiny on various issues. The government issued a stern notice to Meta regarding child sexual abuse material in Instagram ads, while Telegram was directed to address the widespread dissemination of pirated films and other content through its platform. These incidents highlight the broader challenges that social media platforms face in balancing user engagement with regulatory compliance and user safety.

In conclusion, the government's scrutiny of WhatsApp's username feature is part of a larger trend of increasing regulatory oversight of digital communication platforms in India. As technology continues to evolve, the need for robust regulations that protect users from online threats becomes increasingly evident. The outcome of this situation may set important precedents for how messaging platforms operate in India and how they address concerns related to privacy, security, and user safety.