Spread the news
New Delhi, July 2
The Center government is examining whether WhatsApp’s planned username feature could create new risks for fraud and impersonation with officials considering legal options to regulate or even block the rollout if concerns are not addressed.
Government sources said authorities are reviewing the legal framework surrounding the proposed feature, which would allow users to communicate without sharing their phone numbers. Officials are expected to seek detailed information from WhatsApp on how the system will work, what safeguards will be in place and whether it could be misused.
Law enforcement agencies may also assess the proposal, according to an official familiar with the matter.
The scrutiny follows WhatsApp’s announcement that users will soon be able to reserve unique usernames ahead of the feature’s wider launch later this year. The Meta-owned messaging platform says the change is designed to strengthen privacy, particularly in group chats and conversations with people users do not know well.
However, government officials say the feature raises concerns that bad actors could create usernames resembling those of government agencies, businesses or public figures, making it easier to impersonate trusted identities and deceive users.
“The government has to be satisfied that the feature does not create risks to public safety or national security,” a source said. Officials added that if WhatsApp’s explanation is not considered adequate, the government could explore ways to prevent the feature from being introduced in India.
WhatsApp has not publicly responded to the government’s concerns. An email seeking comment was not answered.
The company began allowing users to reserve usernames this week, saying the feature would be rolled out later this year. India is WhatsApp’s largest market, with around 500 million users.
The proposal has also prompted debate within India’s technology community. Several entrepreneurs and cybersecurity experts have warned that similar looking usernames could be exploited for scams unless robust verification and anti-impersonation measures are introduced.
Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma said lookalike usernames could become a significant channel for fraud if left unchecked. Jasveer Singh, co-founder and chief executive of KnotDating also questioned how the platform would balance user privacy with accountability.
Cybersecurity experts say usernames that closely resemble those of established brands, institutions or prominent individuals could confuse users and make phishing and financial scams more convincing unless strong safeguards are built into the system.
