**India Raises Security Concerns Over New WhatsApp Username Feature**
India has expressed significant concerns regarding the recent introduction of usernames by the messaging platform WhatsApp, labeling it a potential cybersecurity threat. In a formal notice to Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, the Indian government highlighted that this new feature could facilitate various forms of online fraud, including scams, phishing attempts, and impersonation.
The notice, issued on Wednesday, emphasized that the ability for users to create usernames may lead to an increase in fraudulent activities. Authorities are particularly worried that cybercriminals could create usernames that closely mimic those of actual individuals or reputable institutions, thereby enabling them to impersonate public figures, financial entities, and government agencies. This, according to the government, poses a serious risk to the safety and security of users.
WhatsApp had announced the username feature just days prior, describing it as a significant privacy enhancement that allows users to connect with others without disclosing their phone numbers. However, the Indian government has demanded that Meta respond to its concerns within three days, warning that failure to do so could result in regulatory action. Additionally, the rollout of the username feature has been suspended pending further consultations with the government.
Meta has acknowledged the government's concerns and has stated that it has implemented multiple safeguards to prevent the misuse of the username feature. According to a report by CNBC, a Meta official indicated that users would still need a phone number to access WhatsApp, and the company has established various protective measures to combat scams associated with usernames. These include limiting the number of new contacts a user can reach out to, blocking repeated attempts to guess usernames, and monitoring for patterns indicative of impersonation.
This development follows a recent incident in which India temporarily banned the Telegram app, citing its role in facilitating widespread exam fraud that impacted millions of students. The Indian government raised similar privacy concerns regarding Telegram's features, which allow users to communicate without revealing their phone numbers, complicating the identification of users.
India is home to over 500 million WhatsApp users, making it the platform's largest market. The country also boasts a significant user base for Telegram, with approximately 150 million downloads, making it the app's largest global market. The combined user base of Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram in India exceeds one billion, highlighting the importance of these platforms in the region.
Cybersecurity issues in India have escalated, with incidents doubling to over two million reported cases in 2024 compared to 2022. This increase in cyber threats has prompted heightened scrutiny of digital platforms operating in the country. In May alone, WhatsApp reported banning more than seven million accounts in India due to violations of its policies.
The concerns raised by the Indian government are underscored by a report from Meta, which indicated that India ranks second globally, following the United States, in terms of being targeted by online scammers. This statistic reinforces the urgency of addressing potential vulnerabilities associated with the new username feature.
In a related note, Telegram's founder, Pavel Durov, recently accused Indian multinational conglomerate Reliance of attempting to lobby for the app's restriction in the country, although he did not provide any supporting evidence for his claim. Notably, Meta holds a 10% stake in Jio Platforms, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries, which adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing discussions surrounding digital privacy and security in India.
As the situation develops, the Indian government continues to prioritize the safety of its citizens in the digital landscape, seeking to ensure that emerging technologies do not compromise user security. The outcome of Meta's response to the government's notice will likely have significant implications for the future of WhatsApp's features in India and may set a precedent for how tech companies address regulatory concerns in the region.