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Krishnan stressed that the proposed feature could create new avenues for online offences.
The proposed feature will enable users to reserve a unique username and eventually message others without sharing their phone numbers. (Reuters photo)
The Central government has raised concerns over Meta-owned WhatsApp’s proposed username feature, citing the risks of cybercrime and impersonation.
Speaking to reporters in Delhi on Friday, S Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, said the government has sought an explanation from the messaging platform over the potential misuse of the feature.
Govt Seeks Explanation From WhatsApp
“We have taken up the issue of using usernames because there is a serious possibility of impersonations and there is the kind of encouragement that facilitates to commit cybercrime, which is a very serious issue,” the Secretary said.
#WATCH | Delhi | Over WhatsApp on their new User ID rollout plan, S. Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, says, “We have taken up the issue of using usernames because there is a serious possibility of impersonations and there is the kind of… pic.twitter.com/Pvdv7S9P6w— ANI (@ANI) July 3, 2026
Krishnan stressed that the proposed feature could create new avenues for online offences. “This is another dimension of the way that cybercrimes can be committed, which is the reason why we have directed WhatsApp to explain why they have this feature. Similarly, we have sought explanations from others,” he added.
Centre’s Notice To WhatsApp
The Centre on Wednesday issued a notice to Meta over the proposed feature, warning that it could lead to a rise in online fraud, phishing attacks, digital arrest scams and impersonation by allowing users to communicate without sharing their phone numbers. The government directed the messaging platform to pause the rollout of the feature until consultations with the authorities are completed “to the satisfaction of the Government.”
In its notice, the Centre asked Meta to explain why action should not be initiated under the Information Technology Act and the relevant rules if the feature is found to facilitate cybercrime. It also reminded the company that WhatsApp, as a Significant Social Media Intermediary, is required to comply with due diligence obligations under the IT Act.
WhatsApp Defends Feature
Defending the feature, WhatsApp said it has incorporated multiple safeguards to minimise the risk of impersonation and fraud. In a statement, the Meta-owned platform said usernames of high-profile individuals, public figures, government entities, celebrities and verified Meta accounts have been reserved so that they can only be claimed by their legitimate owners.
It also said lookalike versions of well-known usernames are blocked to reduce the risk of impersonation. India is WhatsApp’s largest market, with more than 500 million users, giving it a significantly larger user base than Telegram.
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