New Delhi, July 11: Following the controversy surrounding WhatsApp’s proposed username feature, the central government is contemplating the implementation of uniform regulations for all messaging platforms operating in the country.
Reports indicate that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is working on a shared regulatory framework that would apply equally to all messaging services rather than just one platform.
This initiative comes at a time when the government has recently expressed concerns regarding WhatsApp’s proposed username feature, which would allow users to communicate without sharing their mobile numbers.
The government argues that this feature could facilitate misuse of personal identities by cybercriminals, leading to online frauds such as digital arrest, phishing, and impersonation. Additionally, it may complicate investigations for law enforcement agencies.
In light of these concerns, the government is now considering the establishment of uniform rules for all messaging platforms to create a consistent regulatory environment across the sector.
According to reports, the central government plans to engage in extensive discussions and consultations with major messaging platforms before making a final decision.
Earlier this month, the messaging platform Telegram also submitted a response to the government’s notice regarding its username feature. WhatsApp had previously provided its response to the government as well.
The username feature allows users to communicate without sharing their mobile numbers. However, the government fears that this capability could be exploited for online fraud, phishing, identity theft, and other cybercrimes.
Last week, the government issued a notice to WhatsApp, expressing serious concerns about this feature. The company was instructed not to launch this feature in India until the consultation process with the government is complete and satisfactory.
While WhatsApp’s proposed username feature offers users additional privacy by allowing them to communicate without sharing their mobile numbers, the government is now conducting a comprehensive evaluation of its security implications.
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