Why govt finds WhatsApp’s username feature problematic: ‘Fraud, digital arrest, impersonation’

The Centre issued a notice to Meta on Wednesday, July 1, over the controversial username feature on WhatsApp in India. Citing potential risks, the government warned the platform not to roll out the feature until consultations on the issue are completed.

“You are also directed not to roll out this feature until the consultation on this point is achieved to the satisfaction of the Government,” read the notice issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to WhatsApp.