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India's IT Ministry directs Meta to pause the WhatsApp username feature rollout over cyberfraud concerns, igniting a row over product pre-approval and digital surveillance.

Meta is changing the way it charges businesses on WhatsApp for using its business AI agent. From August 1, the tech giant will charge WhatsApp Business users on a per-token basis. The company is also bringing back fees for non-template "service messages" from October 1, something it had waived for almost two years.

The government of India on Wednesday issued a notice to Meta regarding the controversial username feature on WhatsApp in India due to concerns about impersonation and fraud, and warned the platform not to roll it.

Hours after the government issued a notice to Meta-owned WhatsApp over the proposed rollout of the 'username feature', the messaging service platform claimed they have built "multiple layers of defence against scams".

India has told Meta not to launch WhatsApp usernames until ongoing consultations are completed. The move reflects concerns that the feature could aid impersonation and online fraud despite WhatsApp's safeguards.

Meta also plans to reinstate charges for certain types of business messages as it seeks to accelerate WhatsApp Business growth.

The Indian government has paused Meta's upcoming WhatsApp username rollout over cybercrime and impersonation risks, ordering a three-day response window to review security protections.

Lawyers, industry experts & law enforcement agencies are reading WhatsApp's username feature differently. 'Was easier to track people using phone numbers,' says officer with Delhi Police's cyber unit.

Regulatory bodies fear that transitioning to custom usernames will severely hamper active cybercrime investigations

The government is examining WhatsApp's new usernames feature amid concerns that it could facilitate impersonation, fraud and other online scams. Meta has maintained that the feature includes several safeguards designed to curb misuse.