WhatsApp has submitted its response to the Centre’s notice regarding its proposed ‘username’ feature, with the government now examining the company’s reply, according to sources. The feature, which would allow users to communicate without sharing their phone numbers, has triggered concerns over its potential misuse in online fraud, phishing, impersonation and the growing menace of digital-arrest scams.
Earlier, the Centre directed WhatsApp not to launch the feature in India until consultations with authorities were completed. The company has assured the government that the rollout will remain on hold while discussions continue. The issue has sparked a broader debate on how to balance user privacy with public safety in one of WhatsApp’s largest markets.
Government Reviews WhatsApp’s Response
The proposed username feature is designed to give users an additional layer of privacy by allowing them to connect with others without revealing their mobile numbers. Similar systems already exist on several social media and messaging platforms, where users communicate through unique usernames instead of personal phone numbers.
However, the Centre has expressed concerns that introducing such a feature without adequate safeguards could make it easier for cybercriminals to exploit unsuspecting users. According to sources, officials fear that hiding phone numbers may make it more difficult for people to verify the identity of those contacting them, potentially increasing cases of phishing, impersonation, financial fraud and so-called digital-arrest scams.
Digital-arrest scams have emerged as one of India’s fastest-growing cybercrimes. Fraudsters typically impersonate police officers, officials from investigative agencies or bank representatives, falsely accusing victims of crimes and pressuring them into transferring money or sharing sensitive personal information. Authorities believe that any feature making it harder to establish a person’s identity should undergo careful scrutiny before being introduced.
To address these concerns, the government issued a notice seeking detailed clarification from WhatsApp on how the feature would function and what security measures would be put in place. According to sources, WhatsApp has now submitted its response, which is currently under examination. Although no fresh official statement has been released after the submission, the company has assured the Centre that it will not roll out the username feature in India until consultations are completed.
Balancing Privacy, Innovation and Online Safety
The discussions come at a time when India is witnessing a sharp rise in cyber fraud, with digital scams causing financial losses to thousands of people every day. At the same time, privacy advocates argue that allowing users to communicate without sharing their phone numbers could offer meaningful protection, especially for women, journalists, activists, small business owners and individuals who wish to limit the exposure of their personal contact details.
The challenge for policymakers lies in ensuring that stronger privacy protections do not inadvertently create new opportunities for criminals. Cybersecurity experts have often pointed out that privacy features can coexist with user safety if platforms incorporate robust verification mechanisms, effective reporting tools, fraud detection systems and rapid responses to suspicious activity.
The Centre’s decision to pause the rollout reflects a broader regulatory approach of engaging with technology companies before introducing features that could have far-reaching consequences for millions of users. India remains one of WhatsApp’s biggest markets, with hundreds of millions of people relying on the platform daily for personal communication, business transactions, education and public services. As a result, any major change to the platform’s functionality carries significant implications for digital trust and online security.
For now, the proposed feature remains on hold while officials examine WhatsApp’s response and continue consultations. The outcome of these discussions could shape not only the future of the username feature in India but also how digital platforms and regulators collaborate on balancing innovation with user protection.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Technology should empower people by giving them greater control over their privacy while ensuring they remain protected from harm. As digital platforms introduce new features, transparency, accountability and collaboration between technology companies, regulators and cybersecurity experts become increasingly important. Building trust requires solutions that safeguard personal information without weakening protections against fraud and impersonation.
Thoughtful consultation before implementing major digital changes can help ensure innovation benefits everyone, especially those most vulnerable to online scams. Do you think privacy-focused features like usernames can be introduced safely with the right safeguards, or should platforms prioritise stronger identity verification to tackle rising cybercrime? Share your views and join the conversation.
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