The WhatsApp username rollout has hit a roadblock in India after the government asked Meta to delay introducing the new feature. Officials fear the update could increase online fraud, phishing attacks and identity impersonation if adequate safeguards are not in place.
India’s request comes as the country battles a sharp rise in cybercrime. Authorities say millions of internet users remain vulnerable to digital scams despite the rapid growth of online services.
Government Seeks Delay Over Security Risks
India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has urged Meta to postpone the WhatsApp username rollout until discussions on the feature are complete.
According to reports, officials believe fraudsters could exploit usernames to impersonate trusted individuals and organisations.
The ministry warned that scammers might create misleading usernames to deceive users who are unfamiliar with digital security practices.
Officials also expressed concern that the update could fuel phishing attempts, impersonation schemes and so-called digital arrest scams.
Meta Defends the New Privacy Feature
Meta recently announced plans to introduce usernames on WhatsApp, allowing users to connect without sharing their phone numbers.
The company said the WhatsApp username rollout is designed to improve privacy by giving users another way to identify themselves.
Meta confirmed that the feature has not gone live in India.
The company also said it has reserved usernames belonging to verified accounts and public figures. Those names can only be claimed by their legitimate owners.
In addition, users will still need a valid phone number to create and use a WhatsApp account.
Meta added that it has built several layers of protection into the feature to reduce scams and prevent impersonation.
India Battles Growing Cyber Fraud
India remains WhatsApp’s biggest market, with more than 500 million users.
However, online fraud has increased significantly in recent years.
Government data shows that cybercriminals stole nearly $3 billion from victims in 2025. That figure is almost 40 times higher than the amount reported in 2021.
Authorities believe digital literacy has not kept pace with internet adoption. As a result, many users remain easy targets for online criminals.
That concern prompted the government to seek a pause before the WhatsApp username rollout begins.
Username Systems Already Exist Elsewhere
The concept of username-based messaging is not new.
WeChat, owned by Chinese technology giant Tencent, already allows users to communicate through usernames instead of phone numbers.
Even so, Indian regulators want to evaluate the risks before approving a similar system for WhatsApp.
Last month, Meta appointed Indian fintech entrepreneur Kunal Shah as WhatsApp’s new head in India, highlighting the company’s commitment to its largest user market.
What Happens Next?
The Indian government has asked Meta to hold the WhatsApp username rollout until consultations conclude.
Neither side has announced when the feature could become available in the country.
For now, discussions will focus on balancing user privacy with stronger protection against fraud and identity theft.
The outcome will determine when millions of Indian users can access the new feature.
The WhatsApp username rollout promises greater privacy by reducing the need to share phone numbers. However, India’s government wants stronger safeguards before approving the update. As regulators and Meta continue discussions, the launch remains on hold while both sides work to address concerns about fraud, impersonation and online safety.
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