Homegrown messaging platform Arattai, developed by Zoho, will discontinue its username-based account feature following increased government scrutiny over anonymous identities on messaging platforms.
Zoho co-founder and Chief Scientist Sridhar Vembu announced the decision on X, stating that the feature would be withdrawn to align with evolving regulatory requirements. However, he did not specify when the change would take effect.
The move comes amid the Centre’s concerns over WhatsApp’s proposed username feature, which would allow users to communicate without sharing their phone numbers. The government has reportedly asked Meta to pause the rollout while it evaluates the security implications of the feature.
Officials are concerned that username-based identities could make it easier for cybercriminals to impersonate individuals, government agencies, financial institutions and public figures, increasing the risk of phishing, identity theft and financial fraud.
Arattai is among the first messaging platforms in India to publicly alter its product roadmap in response to the government’s evolving approach to regulating user identities on digital communication platforms.
Regulatory attention has also extended to Telegram and Signal, both of which already support usernames. Authorities have reportedly sought information on the safeguards these platforms have implemented to prevent impersonation and misuse.
WhatsApp, meanwhile, has clarified that the username feature has not yet been launched. The company has said that when introduced, it will include multiple safeguards, such as reserving specific usernames for verified public figures, government bodies and official organisations to reduce the risk of impersonation.
The development reflects the government’s increasing focus on striking a balance between protecting user privacy and strengthening safeguards against digital fraud, as messaging platforms continue to introduce privacy-enhancing features.
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