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India's privacy concerns over WhatsApp's username feature spark global debate
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2026-07-19 18:14   Technology   10

India's privacy concerns over WhatsApp's username feature spark global debate

The Indian government's objection to WhatsApp's username feature has raised global concerns about privacy and censorship.WhatsApp introduced usernames to allow users to chat without sharing phone numbers, but India argues this could enable impersonation and fraud.Experts warn that yielding to India's pressure might encourage similar demands globally, undermining innovation.The feature allows users to separate online and real-world identities, which could protect individuals facing harassment.However, authorities can still trace user data through legal channels.WhatsApp has implemented safeguards like blocking repeated username guesses and limiting contact attempts.Critics argue the government is opposing a design feature before any harm occurs, which is unprecedented.This debate highlights tensions between government oversight and digital privacy, with implications for secure communication tools worldwide.

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