WhatsApp Username Safety Alarms Trigger Immediate Rollout Halt in India

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NEW DELHI: Mounting global safety concerns over WhatsApp's upcoming username feature have triggered widespread alarms regarding identity theft and sophisticated digital fraud. 

Cybersecurity experts warn that shifting away from traditional phone-number verification could unleash an unprecedented wave of untraceable phishing, lookalike profile scams, and devastating ‘digital arrest’ extortion attacks.

In response to the growing anxiety, Meta defended the update as a major privacy victory. The tech giant clarified that usernames are strictly optional, completely unsearchable, and specifically designed to let users connect safely without exposing personal phone numbers. 

Furthermore, Meta emphasised that existing Instagram and Facebook handles are automatically reserved for their rightful owners to block brand hijacking.

However, as authorities grapple with a massive spike in online crime, India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology stepped in. Citing low digital safety awareness, the government issued an official letter ordering Meta to freeze the rollout across its 500-million-user market until a comprehensive security review is completed.