India Considers Legal Action Over WhatsApp Username Feature

The Indian government is exploring legal options to restrict WhatsApp's proposed username feature and is examining whether it can regulate its rollout in the country, sources told reporters, amid concerns that the feature could increase the risk of impersonation and identity fraud.

Officials are studying the legal framework governing such a feature and assessing whether safeguards can be mandated before it is introduced, the sources said. In its current form, the proposed username system could make it easier for malicious actors to impersonate individuals, businesses or public figures, they added.

"Open to making new law if needed to prevent cybercrime and digital impersonations," the sources said.

The deliberations come as WhatsApp prepares to roll out usernames later this year, allowing users to communicate without sharing their phone numbers.

The feature, which will let users connect without sharing their phone numbers, has sparked concerns over user privacy, impersonation risks and the potential for deeper integration with parent Meta's broader ecosystem across Facebook and Instagram.

While the messaging platform argues the concerns are overstated, cybersecurity experts and industry leaders have warned that the feature could create new avenues for fraud if not backed by robust safeguards.

Critics say usernames could make it easier for bad actors to impersonate individuals, businesses or public figures, particularly through similar-looking handles. "Soon you will have verified username on WhatsApp, and then unverified similar-sounding usernames," Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma wrote in a post on X.

MobiKwik Co-founder and CEO Bipin Preet Singh echoed the concern, saying, "Not a good idea at all. Will lead to proliferation of fraud and impersonation. For example, I checked, most variations of my name already taken. Wonder what can it be used for."