The government is contemplating the implementation of consistent standards for messaging platforms in India, particularly in light of the recent controversy surrounding WhatsApp’s proposed username feature. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is reportedly exploring the adoption of a unified regulatory framework that would be applicable to all messaging platforms, rather than making decisions specific to individual platforms. This initiative follows the government’s opposition to WhatsApp’s proposed username feature, which aimed to enable communication without the need to share phone numbers.
In response to concerns raised, the government highlighted potential risks associated with the feature, including the increased likelihood of fraudulent activities by impersonators, the facilitation of digital arrest scams and phishing schemes, and the potential hindrance to law enforcement investigations. To address these issues, the government is now considering the establishment of standardized regulations for all messaging platforms to ensure a consistent regulatory approach.
It has been reported that consultations with major messaging platforms will be conducted before finalizing the proposed regulatory framework. Notably, messaging platform Telegram has already submitted its response to the government’s notice regarding the username feature, following a similar action by WhatsApp. The ‘username’ feature, which enables communication without sharing mobile numbers, has garnered attention due to concerns about its potential to facilitate online fraud, phishing, impersonation, and digital arrest scams.
WhatsApp has also responded to the government’s notice regarding its proposed username feature, which offers users the ability to communicate on the platform without disclosing their mobile numbers, thereby enhancing privacy measures. The government had issued a notice to WhatsApp, expressing apprehensions that the feature could lead to an increase in online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams, and impersonation attacks. As a precautionary measure, the messaging platform has been directed not to introduce the username feature in India until consultations are completed to the satisfaction of the government.
