The government has asked WhatsApp to explain why regulatory action should not be initiated over a proposal to replace phone nmbers username feature, saying the move could “materially increase the risk of cybercrime”, including phishing, impersonation, identity spoofing, financial fraud and “digital arrest” scams. NDTV has accessed a copy of the notice. It has also directed the platform not to roll out the feature in India until consultations with the government are completed.