Govt Evaluating WhatsApp Response Regarding Usernames Feature

New Delhi: As per the government’s deadline, WhatsApp has submitted its response to the ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) regarding the proposed launch of the WhatsApp ‘usernames’ feature in India. The reply of the Meta-owned messaging platform, which was received late on Thursday night is currently being examined by government officials. The government is, however, evaluating the privacy, security and misuse-related concerns linked to the upcoming feature, the sources said on Friday.

As per WhatsApp, the username feature essentially allows people on the messaging platform to communicate without sharing their phone numbers. But the government flagged concerns that it could materially increase online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams, and impersonation attacks. The Centre had also directed the platform not to launch the feature until consultations on the issue are completed to the satisfaction of the government.

Subsequently, WhatsApp had sought some more time to submit its response on the proposed 'username' feature and had assured the government that it would not roll it out in India until discussions are complete. According to sources, WhatsApp’s reply was received on time and is under examination as of now. However, there is no official word yet from WhatsApp on the submission made to the IT ministry.

Earlier on Thursday, IT secretary S Krishnan - speaking on the sidelines of the CII GCC Business Summit - had said that WhatsApp’s reply on username notice is due. On whether two other messaging platforms — Telegram and Signal, had reverted to the notices sent to them on the 'username' feature, Krishnan had said, “There is still a little more time, so the replies have not yet been received. We will examine this issue.”