Centre Asks Meta to Pause WhatsApp Username Rollout; Seeks Explanation Within Three Days

The Government of India has issued a notice to Meta to temporarily pause the rollout of the WhatsApp username feature and submit a detailed explanation within three days. With this Centre seeks the clarity on how these new features will functions and its implications for user privacy, security, and regulatory compliance. Until the satisfactory consultations are completed, Meta has been asked not to introduce this feature in the country.

What Is the WhatsApp Username Feature?

The newly proposed WhatsApp username features is designed to allow users to connect without mandatorily sharing their mobile phone numbers.

Instead of just identifying users via phone number, individuals could use the unique usernames to start conversations and it is similar to several other messaging platforms.

This features is expected to enhance privacy by reducing the need to share personal phone numbers. It also offers an alternative way to discover and the contact users.

It will also improve flexibility for both personal and business communication. Meta has been currently testing the new feature and but it has not been widely roll out yet,

Why Has the Government Asked Meta to Pause the Rollout?

According to some reports, Centre has instructed Meta to halt the rollout until further discussions. The central government has also asked the company to submit a detailed explanation by covering the multiple questions like,

• How this username feature will operate.
• Privacy and security safeguards.
• Compliance with the Indian laws and regulations.
• Potential risks related to the misuse or impersonation.
• Measures to protect users from fraud and cybercrime.

The pause allows the regulators to examine their feature before it becomes available to all the users in the India.

Why Usernames Raise Regulatory Concerns

Although usernames can improve user privacy but they also introduce new regulatory and security considerations.

Authorities may assess issues such as the,

• Verification of the user identities.
• Prevention of impersonation.
• Traceability during criminal investigations.
• Protection against the phishing and online scams.
• Compliance with the country’s digital governance framework.

The government aims to ensure that new digital features do not compromise with the public safety or legal compliance.