WhatsApp Launches Username Feature to Hide Phone Numbers, India Raises Concerns
WhatsApp announced a global username feature allowing users to connect without sharing phone numbers, enhancing privacy for its 3 billion users. Reservations began June 2026, with full launch later that year. However, the Indian government issued a notice to pause the feature over impersonation and spam risks, following India's recent ban on Telegram. The move aligns WhatsApp with competitors Signal and LINE but does not change Meta’s data collection architecture.
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India to Review Messaging Platforms' Responses on Username Feature and CSAM Concerns
India's IT Secretary S. Krishnan announced that the Ministry has received responses from messaging platforms regarding notices about their username features, as well as from Meta concerning child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The government will spend approximately one week reviewing these responses. The username feature, particularly on WhatsApp, has raised concerns about potential misuse for impersonation and scams, though Meta has defended it with PIN safeguards and automatic blocking of excessive messaging. Meanwhile, Zoho Corp.-owned competitor Arattai has disabled its username feature during the review. On CSAM, Meta acknowledged deploying detection technology but noted ongoing challenges with criminals evading detection, following a BBC report about suggestive ads on Instagram directing users to CSAM content.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Indian Government Reviews WhatsApp's Response on Username Feature Notice
Meta-owned WhatsApp submitted its written response to India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) on July 9, 2026, regarding the government's notice over the proposed 'username' feature. The Ministry is currently reviewing the response. On July 1, the government issued a notice to WhatsApp, expressing concerns that hiding phone numbers and displaying only usernames could increase online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams, and impersonation attacks. The government directed WhatsApp not to launch the feature until consultations are completed to its satisfaction. WhatsApp had requested additional time to respond and assured the government it would not roll out the feature in India until discussions are complete. The government argues that WhatsApp, as a 'significant social media intermediary' with over 80 crore users in India, is subject to due-diligence obligations under IT rules. Similar notices were also sent to Telegram, Signal, and Arattai, which already have username features, but their replies have not yet been received.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.WhatsApp's Reply on Government Notice Over Username Feature Due July 9: IT Secretary
India's IT Secretary S. Krishnan confirmed that Meta-owned WhatsApp's response to a government notice regarding its proposed username feature is due on July 9, 2026. The Indian government had issued a notice to WhatsApp, flagging concerns that the feature, which allows users to communicate without sharing phone numbers, could increase online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams, and impersonation attacks. WhatsApp sought additional time to respond and assured the government it would not roll out the feature in India until consultations are complete. The government also sent similar notices to Telegram and Signal regarding their existing username features. A WhatsApp spokesperson stated the username feature is not yet live and will roll out slowly later this year, with built-in protections against impersonation and abuse. The government has directed the platform not to launch the feature until discussions are concluded to the government's satisfaction.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.WhatsApp Gets Extension on Username Notice, Pledges No India Rollout Until Talks End
Meta-owned WhatsApp has been granted a three-day extension to respond to a government notice concerning its planned username feature, which would allow users to message without sharing phone numbers. The platform has assured the Indian government it will not roll out the feature in India until consultations are complete. The Centre issued the initial notice on July 1, 2026, expressing concerns that usernames could facilitate online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams, and impersonation. A Meta team met IT Ministry officials on July 3, the original deadline. The government also sent similar notices to Telegram and Signal regarding their username features. Separately, Meta received a notice about child sexual abuse material in Instagram ads, and Telegram was directed to crack down on pirated content. WhatsApp has stated that usernames are not yet live and will roll out slowly later in 2026, claiming multiple layers of defence against misuse, including holding high-profile names and limiting new contacts.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Why are there concerns over WhatsApp usernames?
The Indian government has sent a notice to Meta, asking it to stop the rollout of WhatsApp's username feature, which allows users to chat without sharing phone numbers. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) expressed concerns that hiding phone numbers could increase online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams, and impersonation attacks, including impersonation of public figures and government agencies. WhatsApp has responded by stating it has reserved usernames for prominent personalities and will display the sender's country of origin and whether they are saved in the user's phonebook. The feature is optional and includes a PIN option for additional privacy. Similar notices were sent to Telegram, Signal, and Arattai. The article also questions whether the government can legally dictate features of a privately owned app.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Indian Government Scrutinizes WhatsApp's Username Feature Over Fraud Concerns
The Indian government has issued a notice to Meta, demanding a delay in the rollout of WhatsApp's proposed username feature until consultations are complete. The IT Ministry cited concerns about potential impersonation, online fraud, and cybercrime. While WhatsApp maintains that usernames are optional and protected by multiple safeguards, cybersecurity experts remain cautious. In parallel, the ministry has also sought details from rival messaging platforms Telegram and Signal about their own username systems. The development highlights ongoing tensions between tech companies and Indian regulators over user safety and platform accountability.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Meta Defends WhatsApp Usernames After India Raises Cybercrime Concerns
The Government of India has raised concerns over Meta's introduction of usernames on WhatsApp, citing potential increases in cybercrime, online fraud, phishing, and impersonation. Meta defended the feature, stating it includes multiple anti-scam protections such as phone number verification, limits on new user contacts, and safeguards against username guessing. India has given WhatsApp a three-day ultimatum to provide a detailed explanation or face possible action under IT regulations, also requesting a halt to the rollout. The news follows Meta's $900 million investment in Indian fintech startup CRED, whose founder Kunal Shah is set to lead WhatsApp globally, bolstering Meta's digital payments strategy. Separately, Meta faces fresh AI scrutiny over a patent for AI systems that could mimic deceased users and paused an internal AI training program over employee data concerns.
Yahoo FinanceWhatsApp denies claims of popular usernames being reserved by unauthorized parties
WhatsApp has refuted claims that individuals are reserving popular or well-known usernames during its ongoing reservation phase, stating that only legitimate account owners can reserve such names. The rebuttal comes amid controversy over the Meta-owned platform's new username feature, which has drawn criticism over impersonation and fraud risks. The Indian government issued a notice to Meta on July 1, 2026, expressing concerns that the feature could increase online fraud, phishing, and digital arrest scams, and demanded a pause until consultations are completed. Prominent figures, including former Delhi deputy CM Manish Sisodia and MobiKwik CEO Bipin Preet Singh, reported that variations of their names were already taken. WhatsApp defended the feature, citing built-in safeguards, and said the username option will roll out slowly later this year. India is a key market for WhatsApp with over 500 million users.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.WhatsApp’s username revamp faces India test over fraud risks
India's tech ministry has directed Meta-owned WhatsApp to delay the rollout of its new username feature until further consultation, citing concerns over potential fraud risks. The feature, which allows users to reserve unique usernames for their accounts, was initially planned to become fully operational later this year. The Indian government's intervention reflects growing scrutiny of digital platforms in the country, which is WhatsApp's largest market with over 500 million users. The ministry is demanding additional safeguards and consultations before the feature can be launched. This regulatory action in India could set a precedent for other markets and force Meta to reconsider its rollout strategy globally. The move also highlights ongoing tensions between tech companies and Indian regulators over data security, user safety, and digital fraud prevention.
The Business TimesMeta Says WhatsApp Usernames Are Safeguarded Against Scams After India Flags Cybersecurity Risks
Meta Platforms has defended its WhatsApp username feature after the Indian government raised cybersecurity concerns, warning it could increase online fraud, phishing, and impersonation attacks. A Meta spokesperson stated that phone numbers remain required and that multiple defense layers are built in, including limiting new contacts, blocking repeated username guesses, and detecting impersonation patterns. The username feature is not yet live and will roll out slowly later in 2026. India has given WhatsApp three days to provide a detailed explanation or face action under IT regulations. The government has directed a pause on the rollout. Experts note that India's half a billion WhatsApp users make it prone to scrutiny, and cybercrime cases in India more than doubled in 2024 to nearly 2.3 million. This follows India's temporary ban on Telegram in June 2026 to prevent exam fraud.
US Top News and AnalysisHow does WhatsApp’s username feature compare to Telegram’s?
The Indian government has issued a notice to block WhatsApp's upcoming username feature, arguing that hiding phone numbers could enable impersonation, phishing, and digital arrest scams. MeitY warned that usernames resembling real individuals or institutions could facilitate identity spoofing. WhatsApp, which has not yet rolled out the feature, said it has reserved usernames of prominent personalities to prevent misuse. The article compares WhatsApp's approach to Telegram, which has had a username feature for years, hiding phone numbers by default and offering username auctions on Fragment. Telegram was banned in India for a week in June 2026 due to concerns over exam paper leaks via channels. The government's actions reflect increased willingness to regulate platform architecture in Indian cyberspace.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.WhatsApp's New Username Feature: How It Works and How to Reserve One
WhatsApp, owned by Meta, has announced a new username feature that allows users to connect without sharing their phone numbers, enhancing privacy. Users can reserve a username starting from late June 2026, with the feature expected to launch fully later in the year. Reservations are available via the app's Settings > Account > Username section, supporting letters, numbers, and special characters. An optional username key provides additional control over who can contact the user. WhatsApp will not have a directory of usernames, and users must know the exact handle or key to message someone for the first time. Phone numbers remain mandatory for account registration but can be hidden from initial contacts. The feature applies to both WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business apps. Businesses and creators can claim their Instagram or Facebook username if eligible. The move aligns WhatsApp with rivals like Signal and LINE, addressing privacy concerns around phone number exposure.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Indian Government Issues Notice to WhatsApp Over New Username Feature, Citing Impersonation Risks
India's Union government has sent a notice to WhatsApp, owned by Meta, raising concerns about the company's upcoming username feature. The feature, set to roll out later this year, would allow users to chat without sharing phone numbers, mimicking apps like Telegram and Signal. A senior official stated the government is worried about potential spam and impersonation, asking WhatsApp to pause the feature pending detailed consultations. WhatsApp says it has held high-profile names to prevent impersonation and will include spam-detection tools like displaying the user's origin country. This action follows India's recent ban on Telegram, where username-based communication was a factor. The notice escalates the government's regulatory pressure on large platforms, following last year's order for SIM-binding and web session timeouts.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.WhatsApp Allows Usernames, Hiding Phone Numbers in New Privacy Upgrade
WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature that allows users to connect with each other via individual usernames instead of sharing their phone numbers in group chats or with new contacts. The global reservation phase for desired names begins in late June 2026, with full availability expected later this year. Alice Newton-Rex, VP of Product Development, called it the company's 'next big privacy upgrade.' However, the core requirement to provide a phone number during registration remains unchanged, and numbers will still be matched with address books. Other messengers like Signal and Threema have long offered similar or more stringent privacy options. WhatsApp, owned by Meta, dominates with around 3 billion users. The article notes Meta's reliance on advertising revenue and user data collection, and recent introduction of paid ad-free versions. The innovation is seen as a significant step but does not alter WhatsApp's fundamental data-sharing architecture.
taz.de - taz.deWhatsApp to Allow Users to Create Unique Usernames for Privacy
WhatsApp is introducing a significant privacy update that will enable its three billion users to interact using unique usernames, eliminating the need to share personal phone numbers for communication. This change aims to enhance user privacy and security on the platform. The feature is being rolled out globally, as reported by The Hindu on June 30, 2026. The update represents a major shift in how users connect on the popular messaging app, reducing exposure of sensitive contact information. No further details on the rollout timeline or specific customization options were provided in the article.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.WhatsApp Announces Username Feature, Opens Reservations Ahead of 2026 Launch
WhatsApp, the Meta-owned messaging service, has formally announced a new username feature that will allow users to connect with others without sharing their personal phone numbers. Starting this week, users can reserve usernames for the feature, which is slated to launch later in 2026. Reservations are available on both WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business app. Users will have control over who can see their username, and an optional username key adds another layer of privacy control. WhatsApp stressed there is no directory of usernames and auto-suggestions will not expose handles. Phone numbers will still be required for account registration but can be hidden during communication. The feature places WhatsApp alongside rivals Signal and LINE in offering privacy-focused connectivity.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.WhatsApp to Allow Usernames Instead of Phone Numbers, Enhancing User Privacy
WhatsApp announced on June 29, 2026, that it will introduce a username feature, allowing users to be contacted by unique usernames instead of phone numbers, closing a long-standing privacy loophole. The Meta-owned messaging app, which has over 3 billion users globally, said users can reserve usernames now, with the full feature launching later in the year. Usernames will be between 3 and 35 characters, and there will be no public directory or autocomplete suggestions. To prevent impersonation, high-profile individuals, celebrities, and government entities will have their usernames reserved. Companies and creators with existing Instagram or Facebook accounts will get priority to claim matching usernames. WhatsApp's vice president of product, Alice Newton-Rex, described it as a core privacy feature, emphasizing that users must know the exact username to initiate contact for the first time.
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