Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 1: The Centre on Wednesday directed Meta-owned WhatsApp not to launch its proposed username feature in India until consultations with the government are completed, citing concerns over possible online fraud and impersonation risks.

The government has also asked Meta to provide a detailed explanation about the feature within three days.

The notice relates to WhatsApp’s planned username feature, announced on June 29, 2026, which allows users to reserve unique usernames and communicate by sharing usernames instead of revealing their mobile numbers.

India is one of WhatsApp’s largest markets, with over 500 million users.

The Centre said the feature could increase the risk of online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams and impersonation attacks by allowing unknown individuals to contact users without sharing phone numbers.

The government also raised concerns that the feature could enable identity spoofing, including misuse of usernames resembling those of individuals, public authorities, financial institutions and government agencies.

Meanwhile, Meta has also introduced WhatsApp Plus in India, a paid subscription service aimed at users seeking additional customisation options. The optional plan, priced at Rs 79 per month, offers features such as exclusive themes, app icons, ringtones and stickers.

WhatsApp Plus does not provide additional messaging, calling or privacy features and focuses mainly on personalising the user experience. The subscription is available for Android and iPhone users and is part of Meta’s broader expansion of paid offerings across its platforms.