Centre asks WhatsApp to not launch username feature in India over fraud concerns

📌 Summary:

• The Centre issued a notice to Meta directing it not to launch WhatsApp's username feature in India until consultations are completed, and asked for a detailed explanation within three days
• The feature (announced 29 June 2026) lets users reserve unique usernames and, once fully activated, converse by exchanging usernames alone without disclosing mobile numbers
• India is one of WhatsApp's largest markets (500 million+ users)
• Government's security concern (causal chain): (1) usernames let bad actors solicit and message victims without phone numbers - raising online fraud, phishing, "digital arrest" scams and impersonation (2) usernames closely resembling genuine persons/institutions enable impersonation of individuals, public authorities, financial institutions and government agencies (identity spoofing)
• Related development: Meta rolled out WhatsApp Plus in India, its first paid subscription (Rs 79/month) offering customisation (themes, icons, ringtones, stickers) - no new messaging/privacy features; core services stay free

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS3 (cyber security, online fraud, regulation of Big Tech/social-media platforms; data protection and identity spoofing) - the state's preventive regulatory role over platform features.

📝 Prelims Facts:

• WhatsApp username feature announced 29 June 2026; Centre issued notice to Meta, sought reply in 3 days
• WhatsApp has 500 million+ users in India
• WhatsApp Plus = first paid WhatsApp subscription in India at Rs 79/month (customisation only)

🔑 Key Term: Identity spoofing - impersonating a genuine person or institution (e.g., via a lookalike username) to deceive victims, a core vector for phishing and "digital arrest" scams.