The controversy surrounding WhatsApp's upcoming username feature has intensified after the Indian government raised serious security concerns. Amid the ongoing debate, Zoho co-founder Sridhar Vembu announced that the company's homegrown messaging platform, Arattai, will discontinue its username-based account feature, citing compliance with the government's latest directives.
The development comes just days after the Centre asked Meta to halt the rollout of WhatsApp usernames in India and submit a detailed response within three days.
What Is WhatsApp's Username Feature?
Meta has been working on a new WhatsApp feature that allows users to communicate using a unique username instead of sharing their mobile number. The feature is designed to enhance privacy and was expected to roll out later this year.
The company had already begun allowing some users to reserve usernames ahead of the wider launch.
Why Has the Government Raised Concerns?
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) believes that introducing usernames without robust safeguards could significantly increase cybercrime.
According to government officials, fake or similar-looking usernames could be exploited for:
Online fraud
Phishing attacks
Digital arrest scams
Identity impersonation
Financial fraud
The Centre has instructed Meta to pause the feature's rollout in India until security concerns are adequately addressed.
Zoho's Arattai Drops Username-Based Accounts
Following the government's objections, Zoho co-founder Sridhar Vembu announced on social media platform X that the company is removing the username-based account system from its messaging app Arattai.
According to Vembu, the decision has been taken in line with the government's latest regulatory guidance and security concerns surrounding username-based identity systems.
Major Risks Associated With Username-Based Accounts
Cybersecurity experts believe username-only messaging systems could create several challenges if not properly secured.
Some of the biggest concerns include:
Fake identities: Users may find it difficult to distinguish genuine accounts from fake ones.
Rise in cyber fraud: Fraudsters could create similar-looking usernames to impersonate trusted individuals.
Celebrity and brand impersonation: Fake accounts using well-known names may mislead users.
Increase in phishing and spam: Social engineering attacks could become more common.
Law enforcement challenges: Investigating anonymous or misleading usernames could become more difficult for authorities.
WhatsApp Responds to the Controversy
Amid the growing debate, WhatsApp has clarified that the username feature will remain completely optional.
The company stated that users will have the freedom to select whether they want to use a username or continue sharing their phone number.
WhatsApp also emphasized that usernames associated with public figures, celebrities, government entities, and verified accounts have already been reserved to prevent impersonation and misuse.
What Happens Next?
Meta has been given three days to submit a comprehensive response to the Indian government regarding the proposed feature.
The future of WhatsApp's username rollout in India will likely depend on whether Meta can satisfy the government's security requirements and demonstrate adequate safeguards against impersonation, fraud, and cybercrime.
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