Govt Weighs Uniform Rules For Messaging Apps After WhatsApp Username Feature Row: Report

Last Updated:July 11, 2026, 07:07 IST

India considers uniform standards for messaging platforms, opposing WhatsApp's username feature due to fraud and impersonation concerns.

The Indian government is considering uniform standards for messaging platforms as it raises concerns over WhatsApp’s 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.

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.

The ministry is also preparing to formally oppose WhatsApp’s proposed username feature, citing concerns that it could make it harder for law enforcement agencies to investigate crimes.

“We 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.

Government Eyes Uniform Standards For Messaging Platforms

The government’s 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.

“We 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.

WhatsApp, Telegram Reply To MeitY Notices

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.

Another official, who requested anonymity, told HT that the government was examining both responses but did not disclose their details.

Signal, which received a notice alongside Telegram on July 3, has yet to submit its response.

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Anushka Vats

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

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