Zoho-backed messaging app Arattai will disable its username-based account feature to comply with regulatory changes, founder Sridhar Vembu announced on X. This follows a standoff between the Indian government and messaging platforms over options allowing connections without phone numbers. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology gave Meta three days to respond to a July 1 letter and halt WhatsApp’s usernames rollout pending approval. The ministry warned the feature could increase risks of online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams and impersonation. Officials noted usernames might ease impersonation of public figures, as phone numbers currently provide an identifier. Tests showed available lookalike handles for the Prime Minister, Bollywood stars and the RBI. The ministry has also contacted Telegram and Signal about addressing fraud concerns. WhatsApp stated the feature is optional with safeguards and existing handles will transfer. The Internet Freedom Foundation criticised the government’s notices as lacking clear legal basis.
