Centre examines Meta’s response after raising concerns over fraud and impersonation risks.
Key Highlights
- The government has received WhatsApp’s reply on its proposed username feature.
- Authorities are reviewing the response before taking a final decision.
- The Centre had asked WhatsApp not to launch the feature until consultations are completed.
- Officials expressed concerns that usernames could increase online fraud, phishing and impersonation scams.
- The feature would allow users to communicate without sharing their phone numbers.
New Delhi: The Central government is examining WhatsApp’s response to its notice regarding the messaging platform’s proposed username feature, according to official sources.
The notice was issued last week after the Centre raised concerns that the feature could significantly increase the risk of online fraud, phishing, impersonation and digital arrest scams. The government had also directed the Meta-owned platform not to roll out the feature until consultations are completed to its satisfaction.
The proposed feature would allow users to connect with others using unique usernames instead of sharing their mobile phone numbers, a move intended to enhance privacy. However, authorities believe the change could also create opportunities for fraudsters to impersonate individuals and deceive users.
Sources said the government has now received WhatsApp’s formal response and is currently reviewing its contents before deciding on the next course of action.
The development reflects the Centre’s continued focus on strengthening digital safety and ensuring that new technology features include adequate safeguards against misuse.
