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NEW DELHI: The government on Wednesday directed Meta-owned WhatsApp not to roll out its proposed username feature until consultations on the issue are completed and has asked the company to furnish a detailed explanation within three days, PTI reported, citing sources.The move comes amid growing concerns within the government over the potential risks of impersonation, spoofing and financial fraud associated with the username feature, which would allow users to communicate without sharing their phone numbers.Government sources had earlier told TOI that authorities are closely monitoring WhatsApp’s plans and examining the legal implications of the feature. Officials said the government may explore legal options, including issuing a notice to the company and examining mechanisms to block the feature if it is found to pose significant risks.The development follows mounting concerns raised by cybersecurity experts, legal professionals and users, who fear that the introduction of usernames could lead to a surge in impersonation and online fraud.Experts argue that moving from phone number-based identities to platform-managed usernames could weaken an important layer of accountability. Some users have already reported concerns during the early username reservation phase. MobiKwik CEO Bipin Preet Singh said several variations of his name had already been reserved, PTI reported.The concerns come after WhatsApp announced plans to introduce usernames, allowing users to communicate without sharing their phone numbers. The company has opened early reservations for usernames, with a wider rollout planned later this year. WhatsApp has said the feature is intended to enhance user privacy, particularly in group chats and when connecting with new contacts.According to government sources, authorities are scrutinising the legal framework governing the proposed feature and are likely to seek a detailed explanation from WhatsApp regarding its implications and safeguards. Law enforcement agencies may also examine the issue, an official said.The government is particularly concerned about the possibility of users being misled by usernames that closely resemble those of public figures, businesses or trusted individuals.Faisal Kawoosa, chief analyst and founder of Techarc, said that while phone numbers provide a degree of verification, usernames can be manipulated more easily.”While celebrity names have been reserved, it’s still easy to impersonate, and we have seen how verified accounts have worked on X. Fraudsters can easily use some variations which commoners won’t be able to catch easily,” Kawoosa said.He added that public trust in WhatsApp as a secure communication platform could decline if adequate safeguards are not introduced.Several experts have also warned that the feature could weaken identity verification mechanisms. They have suggested that WhatsApp should internally map usernames to the underlying phone numbers and introduce robust identity verification systems to prevent misuse.Several Indian startup founders and public figures have also expressed concerns on social media over the potential misuse of the feature, warning that lookalike usernames could become a major avenue for impersonation and scams if not adequately safeguarded.The username reservation system is currently understood to be in the testing phase, and WhatsApp has not yet announced a timeline for its global rollout.
