India warns Meta over WhatsApp username feature amid fraud fears

The Indian government has formally requested Meta to pause the implementation of WhatsApp's upcoming username feature within the country. This directive stems from significant concerns that the new functionality could exacerbate risks of online fraud, scams, and impersonation.

According to reports citing sources within the government, a notice was dispatched to Meta demanding a comprehensive explanation of the feature within a three-day timeframe. The authorities also explicitly directed the company not to launch the feature in India until all necessary consultations are completed. Officials have voiced apprehension that enabling users to connect via usernames, rather than phone numbers, could create new avenues for malicious activities.

These potential risks include an increase in phishing attacks, digital arrest scams, and various forms of identity theft. The government is seeking clarity from Meta on why punitive actions should not be initiated under India's Information Technology Act and associated regulations concerning this feature. WhatsApp's new system is designed to allow users to share unique usernames, thereby avoiding the need to disclose personal phone numbers when initiating conversations.

Meta has stated that it is incorporating safeguards to prevent impersonation and misuse of the feature. WhatsApp, a messaging platform with over 3 billion global users, is expected to introduce this feature incrementally worldwide in the coming months. However, India's cautionary approach highlights the ongoing tension between technological innovation and the imperative to protect users from digital threats.