New Delhi, July 1: The Indian government has formally issued a notice to Meta regarding the proposed ‘username’ feature for WhatsApp in India. The government has requested a detailed explanation from Meta within three days and has clearly instructed that the feature should not be implemented in India until the consultation process with the government is complete.
According to government sources, there are concerns that the new username feature could be misused for identity fraud, impersonation, online scams, and spreading misinformation if implemented without adequate security measures.
Previously, the government had expressed serious concerns about this feature and was considering issuing a notice to Meta. Sources indicated that if a new feature increases the likelihood of fraud or cybercrime, the messaging platform could be held accountable.
This new feature would allow users to connect with family, friends, or businesses without sharing their mobile numbers. Users would be able to choose a unique username similar to social media platforms. Meta claims that the purpose of this feature is to protect users’ phone number privacy, requiring the exact username to contact an individual.
However, cybersecurity experts believe that without a robust anti-abuse system, this feature could promote fake profiles, impersonation, and online scams, potentially affecting millions of users in India.
It is noteworthy that messaging platforms like Telegram and Signal have long allowed users to communicate using only usernames while keeping their phone numbers hidden.
Under Indian laws, it is mandatory for messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram to be linked to a verified mobile number. The Telecom Cyber Security Rules, 2024, enforced by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), implement strict provisions related to SIM binding to curb digital fraud.
Entrepreneur Ankur Wariku has also raised concerns about this feature. He stated on social media that if WhatsApp does not establish a strong anti-abuse system in a country like India, fake usernames resembling those of famous individuals or companies could lead to widespread fraud.
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