The Indian government has issued a notice to Meta, directing the company not to launch WhatsApp’s proposed username feature in India until consultations with the government are completed. The notice, issued on Wednesday, also asks Meta to submit a detailed explanation of the feature within three days. The username feature, announced on June 29, 2026, allows users to reserve unique usernames and initiate conversations without disclosing their mobile telephone numbers. India is one of WhatsApp’s largest markets, with over 500 million users. The government has expressed concerns that the feature may increase online fraud, phishing, and impersonation attacks, enabling bad actors to solicit and message victims.
Furthermore, it may facilitate impersonation and identity spoofing by permitting the adoption of usernames closely resembling those of genuine persons or institutions. The Centre has asked Meta to provide a detailed explanation of the feature to address these concerns. Meanwhile, Meta recently rolled out WhatsApp Plus in India, a paid subscription aimed at users seeking greater customization options.
Priced at Rs 79 per month, the optional plan offers access to exclusive themes, app icons, ringtones, stickers, and other personalization features. WhatsApp’s core messaging and calling services remain free for all users. The WhatsApp Plus subscription is part of Meta’s broader push to expand its portfolio of paid offerings across platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. The subscription is available for both Android and iPhone users in India.
