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Last Updated:July 03, 2026, 17:50 IST
Krishnan stressed that the proposed feature could create new avenues for online offences.
The proposed feature will enable users to reserve a unique username and eventually message others without sharing their phone numbers. (Reuters photo)
The Central government has raised concerns over Meta-owned WhatsApp’s proposed username feature, citing the risks of cybercrime and impersonation.
Speaking to reporters in Delhi on Friday, S Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, said the government has sought an explanation from the messaging platform over the potential misuse of the feature.
Govt Seeks Explanation From WhatsApp
“We have taken up the issue of using usernames because there is a serious possibility of impersonations and there is the kind of encouragement that facilitates to commit cybercrime, which is a very serious issue," the Secretary said.
#WATCH | Delhi | Over WhatsApp on their new User ID rollout plan, S. Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, says, “We have taken up the issue of using usernames because there is a serious possibility of impersonations and there is the kind of… pic.twitter.com/Pvdv7S9P6w— ANI (@ANI) July 3, 2026
Krishnan stressed that the proposed feature could create new avenues for online offences. “This is another dimension of the way that cybercrimes can be committed, which is the reason why we have directed WhatsApp to explain why they have this feature. Similarly, we have sought explanations from others," he added.
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Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manish...Read More
News india 'Serious Possibility': Govt Warns Of Cybercrime Risk Over WhatsApp's Proposed Username Feature
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