WhatsApp’s username feature hits roadblock in India as govt asks for detailed explanation within 3 days

Indian govt has asked Meta to pause the rollout of WhatsApp’s planned username feature in the country, citing concerns that it could increase impersonation, phishing and online fraud.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued a notice asking Meta to provide a detailed explanation of the feature within three days.

The ministry has also directed the company not to roll it out in India until consultations are complete, according to reports citing government sources and a letter reviewed by Reuters.

WhatsApp announced on 29 June that users would be able to reserve unique usernames before the feature becomes available later this year. The company said the change is intended to improve privacy by allowing people to start conversations without sharing phone numbers.

The government is concerned that usernames could be misused to create accounts resembling those of individuals, government bodies, banks, brands or public figures.

“It is felt that the feature may materially increase the incidence of online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams and impersonation attacks,” the notice said, according to Indian Express.

WhatsApp has said the feature is optional and that users will still need a phone number to use the app. It has also said usernames will not be searchable, there will be no public directory, and people will need to know an exact username before making first contact.

“Usernames are our latest step to make WhatsApp even more private,” the company said in its announcement. “There’s no directory to browse and no suggestions – people will need to know your exact username to contact you for the first time.”

A WhatsApp spokesperson said that the company had reserved high-profile names to help prevent impersonation, including names linked to public figures, government entities, celebrities and verified Meta accounts. The company also said lookalike versions of known names would be held back.

The feature has drawn criticism from some Indian technology executives, who said similar-looking usernames could create new opportunities for scams.

“Soon you will have verified username on WhatsApp, and then unverified similar-sounding usernames,” Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma wrote on X.

Soon you will have verified username on WhatsApp, and then unverified similar-sounding usernames….which in turn will… https://t.co/1zx89fUTis

— Vijay Shekhar Sharma (@vijayshekhar) June 29, 2026

MobiKwik co-founder and CEO Bipin Preet Singh also criticised the plan.

“Not a good idea at all. Will lead to proliferation of fraud and impersonation,” he wrote, adding that several variations of his name had already been taken.

Not a good idea at all. Will lead to proliferation of fraud and impersonation. For example I checked, most variations of my name already taken. Wonder what can it be used for. https://t.co/Nu4DgKVFVm

— Bipin Preet Singh (@BipinSingh) June 30, 2026

WhatsApp has not yet made usernames fully live. The company said users can currently reserve preferred usernames, with the ability to use them expected to roll out gradually later this year.

The outcome in India will depend on Meta’s response and further consultations with the government.