The Indian government is reportedly considering issuing a formal notice to Meta's WhatsApp over an upcoming global username feature, amid serious concerns that the tool could be exploited for impersonation, fraud, and misinformation, according to government sources. The development comes as New Delhi grows increasingly alarmed that the feature — designed to let users communicate without revealing their phone numbers — could mirror misuse patterns seen on Telegram.

What the Username Feature Does

WhatsApp has announced a rollout that will allow users to pick unique usernames, enabling them to interact with family, friends, or businesses without disclosing their phone numbers. Meta has described the move as 'designed to protect the privacy of your phone number,' adding that 'people need to know your exact username to contact you.' The feature is broadly similar to username systems already available on platforms like Telegram and Signal, which have offered phone-number-free communication for years.

Why the Government Is Concerned

Government sources indicate that messaging platforms could be held accountable if new features create fresh avenues for digital fraud. Officials have expressed displeasure over the WhatsApp announcement, with sources noting that platforms 'must ensure that their products are not misused for impersonation or misinformation.' The concern is compounded by India's existing regulatory framework: under the Telecom Cyber Security Rules, 2024, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) enforces strict SIM-binding mandates, which require messaging platforms to link accounts to verified mobile numbers — a requirement that a username-first system could potentially circumvent.

Experts and Public Voices Raise Alarms

Cyber-security experts have warned that the feature, without robust anti-abuse safeguards, opens the door to impersonation scams targeting millions of users in India. Entrepreneur Ankur Warikoo voiced concerns publicly, noting that fake usernames resembling well-known individuals or businesses pose a heightened risk in the Indian context. 'In a country such as India, this could be a disaster, if the right anti-abuse systems are not set up by WhatsApp,' he posted on social media.

Regulatory and Legal Context

India's digital fraud landscape makes the stakes particularly high. The DoT's SIM-binding rules were specifically enacted to combat the surge in digital fraud, and any feature that allows users to bypass phone-number verification sits in direct tension with that framework. This is not the first time the government has scrutinised messaging platforms: Telegram has previously faced regulatory pressure in India over its privacy-first design enabling misuse. The WhatsApp username feature, if rolled out without adequate safeguards, could invite a similar — or sharper — response.

What Happens Next

No formal notice has been issued as of 1 July 2025, but government sources confirm the matter is under active consideration. Should a notice be served, WhatsApp would likely be required to detail its anti-abuse mechanisms before the feature goes live for Indian users. Industry observers expect the government to demand that username-based communication remain traceable to a verified mobile number, consistent with current telecom security norms.