India’s central government is evaluating the potential risks of WhatsApp’s upcoming username feature, stating that it will not compromise national security while assessing the privacy-focused update. According to government sources, authorities are examining whether the username feature could be exploited for impersonation, fraud, and other cybercrimes before its wider rollout in the country.
WhatsApp recently introduced optional usernames, allowing users to communicate without sharing their phone numbers. This feature is designed to enhance user privacy, particularly in group chats and when interacting with unknown individuals. Users can create a personal username in the app’s account settings, while creators and brands can set usernames matching their Instagram or Facebook handles.
However, authorities view anonymity as a potential threat that could lead to fake profiles and internet fraud. According to sources, the government is carefully weighing the implications of this feature to avoid undermining India’s digital security framework and ongoing efforts to combat cyber fraud.
On the other hand, WhatsApp continues to tie accounts to users’ mobile numbers. Meta maintains that usernames are simply another way to connect without revealing phone numbers, aiming to balance privacy with security.
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