The Central government has raised concerns about WhatsApp's proposed username feature, warning that it could increase the risk of cyber fraud and identity impersonation. The government has asked Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, to provide a detailed explanation of the feature and its security measures before launching it in India.
Officials believe that allowing users to communicate through usernames instead of relying solely on phone numbers could make it more difficult to identify fake accounts. Fraudsters may exploit the feature by creating usernames similar to those of government departments, banks, businesses, or public figures to deceive users.
Authorities have also linked the proposed feature to the growing number of "digital arrest" scams, in which cybercriminals impersonate law enforcement officers or government officials to intimidate victims into transferring money or revealing confidential information. They fear the username system could make such scams appear more credible if adequate safeguards are not implemented.
The government has sought clarification from Meta on how it plans to prevent misuse of usernames, verify genuine accounts, detect impersonation attempts, and respond to fraudulent activities. Until these concerns are addressed, officials have urged the company to postpone the rollout of the feature in India.
Meta has stated that the feature is being developed with user safety in mind and will include mechanisms to reduce abuse. However, the government has emphasized that digital platforms must ensure that new features do not create additional opportunities for cybercrime or compromise user security.
