Govt directs Meta to stall rollout of WhatsApp usernames over cyberfraud risks

The ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) has directed Meta to not proceed with the rollout of the username feature on its messaging app WhatsApp over potential impersonation and cyberfraud issues, people aware of the matter said.

“The government has asked Meta to furnish a detailed explanation on the username feature within three days,” a person familiar with the matter said, adding that the company has also been directed to not roll out the feature until consultations on the matter conclude.