Key facts
- India has asked WhatsApp to halt the rollout of its new 'usernames' feature.
- The government cited concerns about potential increases in online fraud, phishing, and impersonation.
- WhatsApp stated the feature is not yet live and is intended to prevent impersonation.
- The Ministry of Information and Technology requested an explanation from WhatsApp within three days.
- This action follows scrutiny of Telegram's similar anonymity features.
India has directed Meta's WhatsApp to pause the rollout of its upcoming 'usernames' feature in the country and provide an explanation within three days, according to a government letter reviewed by Reuters. The Ministry of Information and Technology expressed concerns that the feature, which allows users to initiate conversations without revealing their phone numbers, could significantly increase online fraud, phishing, and impersonation attacks.
The ministry also voiced worries that usernames resembling those of individuals, financial institutions, or government agencies could facilitate identity spoofing. WhatsApp, owned by Meta, stated that the feature is not yet live and that usernames are being reserved for public figures, government entities, and verified Meta accounts to prevent impersonation.
This move by India comes shortly after it scrutinized Telegram over similar anonymity features that allow users to interact without disclosing phone numbers. A home ministry report had previously raised concerns that such privacy features make identity detection difficult and contribute to cyber fraud and the sharing of illegal content. Telegram had also recently lost a legal challenge against India's temporary ban on its platform, with the government citing enforcement challenges posed by its anonymity features.