India Halts WhatsApp Username Feature Rollout Amid Cybercrime Concerns

India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has instructed WhatsApp to halt the rollout of its new username feature within the country. The directive comes amid concerns that the feature, which allows users to communicate without sharing mobile numbers, could facilitate an increase in cybercrime.

The ministry issued a notice to the Meta-owned messaging platform, questioning why regulatory action should not be taken under India's Information Technology Act, 2000, and related rules. The government's primary concern is that usernames resembling those of individuals, public authorities, or financial institutions could be exploited for identity spoofing, phishing, and other online fraud schemes.

MeitY has requested a detailed explanation from WhatsApp within three days and has explicitly forbidden the launch of the username feature until consultations with the government conclude to its satisfaction. The ministry invoked provisions related to intermediary liability and user due diligence obligations under the IT Act and Rules.

The Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) has publicly questioned the legal basis of MeitY's notice, arguing that it attempts to create an unauthorized product approval regime. Digital rights advocates suggest that concerns about impersonation should be addressed by enforcing criminal law against offenders rather than restricting platform features.