This development comes as the government examines the company's written response, in which Meta explains the reasons for introducing the feature and how it plans to address concerns regarding online safety and cybercrime.

According to the sources, Meta has outlined the rationale behind introducing usernames on WhatsApp in its response to the government. The company has also guaranteed the central government that it will keep the feature on hold until both parties finalise their consultations. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is now analysing Meta's response before deciding on the next steps.

What is the WhatsApp username feature?

The proposed feature would allow WhatsApp users to connect with others without sharing their phone numbers, similar to platforms like Telegram and Signal, which already support usernames. Meta states that the feature aims to offer users greater privacy. However, the government fears that scammers could misuse it, making it difficult to trace phishing attacks, impersonation fraud, "digital arrest" scams, and other forms of cybercrime.

On July 1, the central government issued a notice ordering Meta to halt the feature's launch. The government noted that hiding phone numbers behind usernames could make it easier for scammers to carry out phishing attacks, impersonation fraud, "digital arrest" scams, and other cybercrimes.

Initially, Meta was required to submit its written response by July 4 but requested more time. Subsequently, the company assured the government that it would not launch the feature in India until discussions had concluded. It submitted its response late last week, and officials have since begun reviewing the company's explanations.

Why is the government questioning Meta?

The government maintains that WhatsApp-as a significant social media intermediary under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Information Technology Rules, 2021-must comply with statutory due diligence obligations. In its notice, the central government also asked Meta to explain why it should not face action under the Information Technology Act (IT Act) if the proposed feature increases the risk of cybercrime.

Meta has not issued any new public statement since submitting its response. However, the company had previously indicated that WhatsApp usernames are designed to enhance privacy, not to replace phone numbers. It also noted that users would still need a phone number to create and use a WhatsApp account.

Additionally, Meta has outlined various security measures for this feature. The company states that users will need to know another person's exact username before initiating contact. It also plans to limit the number of new users an account can message, detect attempts to guess usernames, and implement systems to identify impersonation and abusive behaviour. The company asserts that it will reserve usernames for public figures, government entities, celebrities, and verified Meta accounts, while blocking misleading usernames that impersonate others. The Ministry of Information Technology has also sent similar notifications to Telegram, Signal, and Arattai-platforms that already offer username-based messaging. However, for the time being, Meta has assured the government that it will keep the WhatsApp username feature on hold in India while consultations continue and the central government reviews the company's response.