The Centre has issued a notice to Meta regarding the proposed rollout of the usernames feature on WhatsApp in India. Meta has been directed to explain the feature within three days and hold off on launching it until consultations with the government are concluded. The government has requested a detailed explanation from Meta on the new feature and instructed the company to respond within the stipulated three-day period.
The Centre is currently evaluating the potential implications of the proposed feature before permitting its introduction in the country. Meta has not yet publicly addressed the government’s notice or the directives concerning the feature’s rollout. There are concerns that new features on messaging platforms could lead to fraudulent activities, with a particular focus on WhatsApp’s recently announced username feature.
WhatsApp is introducing usernames to enhance privacy, allowing users to communicate without revealing their phone numbers. While this move aims to safeguard user identities, cybersecurity experts caution against risks such as impersonation and scams. They emphasize the need for robust anti-abuse measures to ensure the safety of millions of users in India.
The usernames feature on WhatsApp will enable users to select unique usernames, similar to social media platforms. Meta has described this initiative as a means to protect users’ phone numbers, stating that individuals must know the exact username to contact others. Notably, messaging platforms like Telegram and Signal have long allowed users to conceal their phone numbers and utilize only a username.
Indian regulations mandate that messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram link to verified mobile numbers. The Department of Telecommunications enforces stringent SIM-binding requirements under the Telecom Cyber Security Rules, 2024, to combat digital fraud. Entrepreneur Ankur Warikoo has raised concerns about potential misuse of fake usernames resembling well-known individuals or businesses, emphasizing the necessity for effective anti-abuse systems.
