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<\/p>\nWhatsApp recently rolled out a username feature that will allow users to connect without sharing their phone numbers. (Source: Reuters)<\/p>\n
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The Indian government is considering uniform standards for messaging platforms as it raises concerns over WhatsApp\u2019s proposed username feature, which officials fear could increase the risk of impersonation, online fraud and digital arrest scams, according to a report by Hindustan Times citing an official.<\/p>\n
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is working on common standards for messaging services operating in the country. The move is aimed at ensuring that the same rules apply to all platforms and that government decisions on their features have clear legal backing, the report said.<\/p>\n
The ministry is also preparing to formally oppose WhatsApp\u2019s proposed username feature, citing concerns that it could make it harder for law enforcement agencies to investigate crimes.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are not in favour of WhatsApp introducing this feature. Given its massive user base in India, usernames could make impersonation, digital arrest scams, online fraud and even investigations by law enforcement more difficult,” a government official familiar with the matter told HT.<\/p>\n
Government Eyes Uniform Standards For Messaging Platforms<\/strong><\/p>\n The government\u2019s push for common standards comes amid what officials see as a regulatory gap. At present, authorities may seek to stop one platform from introducing a particular feature even when rival services offer similar functionality, without any explicit rule that clearly permits or prohibits such features.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are also looking at bringing in common standards for messaging platforms so there is legal backing for such decisions. It cannot be that we stop one platform from rolling out a feature while allowing others to continue offering the same thing. The rules have to be uniform for everyone. We will discuss this with all messaging platforms before taking a final decision,” the official told HT.<\/p>\n WhatsApp, Telegram Reply To MeitY Notices<\/strong><\/p>\n The development comes a day after WhatsApp and Telegram submitted their responses to notices issued by MeitY. The two platforms reportedly explained the safeguards built into their username features.<\/p>\n Another official, who requested anonymity, told HT that the government was examining both responses but did not disclose their details.<\/p>\n Signal, which received a notice alongside Telegram on July 3, has yet to submit its response.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu said in a July 2 post on X that the company would disable the username-based account feature on its messaging app Arattai \u201cto comply with the regulatory change”.<\/p>\n What India\u2019s Existing IT Rules Say<\/strong><\/p>\n WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal and Arattai operate as intermediaries in India under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. Under these provisions, platforms are required to exercise due diligence, assist law enforcement agencies and comply with lawful government orders.<\/p>\n However, neither the IT Act nor the 2021 rules specify common standards governing which features a messaging platform can or cannot offer. According to HT, officials say MeitY is now looking to address this regulatory gap.<\/p>\n About WhatsApp Username Feature<\/strong><\/p>\n WhatsApp is planning a username feature that would let people communicate using a unique username without having to reveal their phone number. For example, instead of sharing your mobile number with a stranger, you could potentially share something like @anushka123.<\/p>\n The Indian government, however, is concerned that this could make it easier for fraudsters to hide behind usernames, impersonate other people and carry out phishing, online fraud and so-called digital arrest scams. Authorities also fear it could make identifying suspects more difficult during investigations.<\/p>\n Handpicked stories, in your inbox<\/p>\n A newsletter with the best of our journalism<\/p>\n submit<\/p>\n About the Author Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can …Read More<\/p>\n Read More<\/p>\n![\"Anushka](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-08-at-10.04.29-2025-08-8b1beaef2df02b67e17bd1c791831ae5.jpeg\" "\\"Anushka")
Anushka Vats<\/a><\/p>\n![\"instagram\"](\"https:\/\/images.news18.com\/dlxczavtqcctuei\/news18\/static\/images\/hindi\/instagram.svg\")
<\/a>News<\/a> india<\/a> Govt Weighs Uniform Rules For Messaging Apps After WhatsApp Username Feature Row: ReportDisclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/p>\n