WhatsApp Username Feature – Government Reviews Company’s Response to MeitY Notice
WhatsApp Username Feature – Meta-owned WhatsApp has submitted its reply to the Centre regarding its proposed username feature, according to people familiar with the matter. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is now reviewing the company’s explanation before deciding on the next course of action.
MeitY Raised Concerns Over Online Fraud Risks
The ministry had sent a notice to WhatsApp last week after raising concerns that usernames could be misused by fraudsters. Officials reportedly flagged possible risks linked to phishing attempts, impersonation, digital-arrest scams and other forms of online deception.
The government also asked WhatsApp not to introduce the feature in India until discussions with authorities are completed and concerns related to user safety are addressed.
Feature Would Reduce Dependence on Phone Numbers
WhatsApp’s proposed username option is expected to let people connect with others without disclosing their mobile numbers. The feature could provide an additional privacy layer, particularly for users who prefer not to share personal contact details while starting conversations.
However, officials are assessing whether the same system could make it easier for criminals to conceal their identities or contact users through misleading profiles. The review is focused on whether suitable safeguards can prevent misuse before the feature becomes available in India.
WhatsApp Had Requested More Time for Its Reply
After receiving the notice, WhatsApp had sought additional time to respond to the government. The company had also assured the Centre that it would not launch the username feature in the country while consultations were underway.
Sources said the ministry has now received the response and is studying the submissions made by the messaging platform. WhatsApp has not issued a public statement on the details of its reply so far.
Government Also Contacted Telegram and Signal
Earlier this week, IT Secretary S. Krishnan said WhatsApp’s response was expected by Thursday. He made the remarks while speaking on the sidelines of the CII GCC Business Summit in New Delhi.
Krishnan also confirmed that similar notices had been sent to Telegram and Signal regarding username-based communication features. The government plans to review the replies from all platforms before taking a final view on the matter.
“We will await the formal response to the notice that we have issued, and thereafter we will take a view based on what the response is,” Krishnan said on Thursday.
When asked whether Telegram and Signal had replied, he said they still had time to submit their responses. The ministry will examine their submissions once they are received.
Wider Scrutiny of Meta Platforms Continues
The review of WhatsApp’s proposed feature comes as the government continues to examine online safety issues involving major digital platforms. Earlier, IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw directed ministry officials to summon Meta and seek an explanation over allegations concerning child sexual abuse material appearing in Instagram advertisements.
The outcome of the current consultation could influence how messaging platforms introduce privacy-focused features in India. Authorities are expected to weigh user privacy benefits against the need for stronger protections against online fraud and identity-based scams.