TNI Bureau: The Centre has asked Meta to put the rollout of WhatsApp’s proposed username feature in India on hold pending consultations, citing concerns over its potential misuse.

Government sources said the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has issued a notice to Meta, seeking a detailed explanation of the feature within three days.

The government is assessing the feature’s possible implications, including risks of impersonation, online fraud and challenges for law enforcement agencies during investigations.

WhatsApp recently announced plans to introduce usernames that would allow users to connect without sharing their phone numbers. While the feature is intended to enhance privacy, authorities are reviewing its potential impact before allowing its launch in India.