WhatsApp Username Feature Put On Hold In India Amid Fraud Concerns
Meta-owned WhatsApp has received more time to respond to the Indian government’s notice over its proposed username feature. The messaging platform has also assured the Centre that the feature will not be rolled out in India until discussions with the government are completed.
What Is The WhatsApp Username Feature?
The proposed username feature will allow users to connect with others on WhatsApp without directly sharing their phone numbers. This could help improve user privacy, especially for people who do not want to reveal their mobile number while communicating.
However, the feature has also raised concerns because usernames can be misused by fraudsters for impersonation, phishing, and scam attempts.
Why Did The Centre Issue A Notice?
The Centre reportedly issued a notice to Meta after raising concerns that the username feature could increase cyber fraud, digital arrest scams, and impersonation attacks.
The government has asked WhatsApp to explain what safeguards it plans to use before introducing the feature in India. The platform has been directed not to roll out the feature until the consultation process is completed.
WhatsApp Gets More Time To Reply
WhatsApp has been given additional time to submit its response to the government notice. A Meta team also met officials from the IT Ministry after the notice was issued.
According to reports, WhatsApp has assured the government that the username feature is not live in India and will not be launched until the matter is discussed further.
WhatsApp Explains Safety Measures
WhatsApp has said that users will still need a phone number to create an account. The username feature is expected to help users communicate without exposing their mobile numbers to everyone.
The company has also said it is working on safety measures to prevent misuse. These include holding high-profile usernames, blocking lookalike names, limiting how many new users an account can contact, and detecting suspicious activity linked to impersonation.
Telegram And Signal Also Under Scrutiny
The issue is not limited to WhatsApp. The government has also reportedly requested details from Telegram and Signal regarding how their username-based features mitigate risks related to fraud and impersonation.
This shows that Indian authorities are taking a closer look at messaging platforms as online scams and digital fraud cases continue to rise.
What Happens Next?
For now, WhatsApp users in India will not see the username feature immediately. The rollout will depend on the outcome of discussions between Meta and the Indian government.
While the feature may offer better privacy, the government wants stronger safeguards before allowing it to be introduced in India.
