Centre asks Meta to hold WhatsApp username rollout; company cites anti-impersonation safeguards
Updated On: 01 July, 2026 10:25 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
The Centre has sought a detailed explanation from Meta regarding the feature and directed the company to submit its response within three days. The government has also asked Meta not to launch the "usernames" feature in India until consultations on the matter are completed

Meta clarified that users will still require a phone number to use WhatsApp and that it has incorporated multiple safeguards to prevent scams involving usernames. Representational pic
WhatsApp on Wednesday said it has reserved high-profile usernames for legitimate owners to prevent impersonation after the Centre asked Meta to explain its proposed username feature and refrain from rolling it out in India until consultations with the government are completed.
According to IANS sources, the Centre has sought a detailed explanation from Meta regarding the feature and directed the company to submit its response within three days.
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