The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued a formal notice to Meta Platforms Inc, the parent company of WhatsApp, directing it to immediately put on hold the rollout of its new “username” feature in India. The company has also been asked to submit a detailed explanation, supported by relevant documents, within three days on why regulatory action should not be initiated against it.
The notice dated July 1, 2026 addressed to the Chief Compliance Officer of WhatsApp LLC (Meta) India Operations, was issued after WhatsApp publicly announced on June 29, 2026, that it had begun a phased global roll-out of the feature, including in India. Under the new system, users will be able to reserve unique usernames and start conversations by sharing only the username, without disclosing their mobile numbers. Once the feature is active, a first-time contact will not see the recipient’s phone number, and users may also set an optional “username key” for added control.
The government has expressed deep concern that the feature could significantly increase online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams and impersonation attacks. It fears that bad actors would find it easier to approach and message potential victims without revealing their own phone numbers. The notice further warns that the usernames feature may facilitate impersonation and identity spoofing of individuals, public authorities, financial institutions and government agencies, as people could adopt usernames that closely resemble those of genuine persons or organisations.
Central Government has issued notice to Meta regarding roll-out of the “usernames” feature on WhatsApp in India.
— ANI (@ANI) July 1, 2026
The notice reads, "…It is felt that the feature may materially increase the incidence of online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams and impersonation attacks, by… https://t.co/XvNmgoST5G pic.twitter.com/9JkzuVncuR
The notice underscores that WhatsApp is an “intermediary” and a “significant social media intermediary” under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. It is therefore bound by due-diligence obligations and other legal requirements. Specific provisions highlighted include Section 79 of the IT Act (which provides conditional exemption from liability only upon observance of due diligence, including the obligation not to host or share information that impersonates another person or is patently false or misleading), Rules 3(1)(b), 3(2) and Rule 4 (relating to identification of the first originator where lawfully required), and Sections 66C and 66D of the IT Act (which penalise identity theft and cheating by personation). The intermediary’s liability under Section 79(3)(a) for aiding, abetting or inducing the commission of an unlawful act has also been invoked.
Meta has been directed to explain why regulatory proceedings should not be started for launching a feature that may increase cybercrimes. It has further been told not to roll out the usernames feature in India until consultations with the government are completed to the latter’s satisfaction. The notice states that it has been issued with the approval of the Competent Authority and is without prejudice to any other action that the government or law enforcement agencies may take under any prevailing law.
Officials from the Department of Telecommunications and Delhi Police had earlier flagged serious concerns about the feature, particularly the difficulties law enforcement agencies could face in tracing perpetrators if phone numbers are no longer visible and if users adopt overseas numbers or misleading usernames. The government has made it clear that it will not compromise on user safety and national security.
The development comes amid broader discussions on balancing privacy enhancements with the need to prevent misuse of digital platforms for fraud and impersonation, especially amid concerns that Telegram platform is heavily used by cybercriminals due to the ability to hide real identities including phone numbers.
WhatsApp has maintained that the feature includes several safeguards, such as reserving high-profile and verified names for legitimate owners, limiting contact from new accounts, and providing indicators when a message comes from a new or overseas account. However, the Centre has insisted on a detailed, documented response before allowing any rollout in India.
