WhatsApp, used by more than 500 million people in India, is planning to introduce a feature that would let users connect using a username instead of sharing mobile numbers during chats and calls.
Citing potential threats to public safety, the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issued a notice to Meta, seeking clarification on the proposed change. Meta has since sent its response after reviewing the security implications of the username system.
In its explanation, Meta said new safeguards have been built to prevent impersonation and ensure that only genuine users can use specific names. The company also stressed that even with usernames, a mobile number would remain mandatory, which it said would help identify fraudsters.
The Centre is expected to examine Meta’s submission and announce soon whether the username feature will be permitted or restricted. The debate comes amid a rise in cyber crimes, including digital arrest scams and financial frauds, and concerns that hiding phone numbers could make offenders harder to trace.
The article also notes that phone numbers have evolved into a widely used digital identity linked to banking, payments, health, education and other online services, underscoring the need for careful scrutiny and stronger oversight of major messaging and social media platforms.
