The Centre is examining Meta’s response regarding WhatsApp’s proposed username feature and is considering a uniform policy for username rules, government sources said.
According to the sources, the government is currently reviewing the company’s reply after WhatsApp submitted its response to the Centre’s notice over the proposed feature.
The development comes days after the government questioned WhatsApp’s plan to introduce usernames, raising concerns that the feature could increase cyber fraud and impersonation.
Concerns over cybercrime risks
Last Wednesday, the Centre issued a notice to Meta over WhatsApp’s proposed username feature, expressing concern that it could lead to an increase in online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams and impersonation. The proposed feature would allow users to connect on WhatsApp without sharing their phone numbers.
According to the government, such a system could create fresh challenges in identifying users and potentially increase cybercrime risks.
Government asked Meta to delay rollout
In its notice, the Centre directed WhatsApp not to launch the username feature in India until consultations with the government were completed “to the satisfaction of the government”.
The government also sought an explanation from Meta on why action should not be initiated under the Information Technology Act and the rules framed under it.
The notice stated that the proposed feature could expose users to greater cyber risks and reminded Meta that WhatsApp, as a significant social media intermediary, is required to comply with due diligence obligations under the IT Act and related rules.
WhatsApp sought more time to respond
Following the notice, WhatsApp requested additional time to submit its response. The company also assured the government that it would not roll out the username feature in India until discussions with the Centre had been completed.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has now received WhatsApp’s response and is examining its contents. Government sources also said authorities are looking at framing a uniform rule for username policies.
The review of Meta’s response is currently underway, with the government yet to announce its next course of action. There has been no official statement from WhatsApp after submitting its reply to the Centre.
The proposed username feature is intended to let users communicate on the messaging platform without revealing their mobile numbers. However, the government has maintained that the proposal requires further consultation before it can be introduced in India.