WhatsApp Username Feature Faces Government Scrutiny
The ongoing dialogue between the central government and Meta regarding WhatsApp’s proposed username feature could reach a critical juncture today. The Ministry of Information Technology has issued a formal notice to the company, and today marks the deadline for Meta’s official response. This reply will largely determine the next steps for the feature’s potential rollout in India.
Government Awaits Meta’s Formal Response
Last week, the central government sent a detailed notice to Meta, raising several concerns about WhatsApp’s planned username functionality. The core issue revolves around the risk that users could communicate using only a username, without sharing their mobile numbers. Officials fear this could lead to a surge in online fraud, phishing attempts, digital arrest scams, and identity theft, where malicious actors create fake profiles to deceive people.
The notice specifically asked Meta to outline what security measures the company has implemented to counter the potential cyber threats that such a feature might introduce.
Key Points from the Government’s Notice
The notice included a clear directive: the username feature must not be launched in India until the government is fully satisfied with Meta’s explanations and safeguards. Following the notice, Meta requested additional time to prepare its response and assured the ministry that the feature would not be rolled out in the country while discussions remain ongoing.
Meta’s Response Expected Today
Speaking at the CII GCC Business Summit, IT Secretary S. Krishnan confirmed that the government expects to receive Meta’s reply today. He also noted that similar notices have been sent to other messaging platforms, including Telegram and Signal. However, responses from those companies are still pending and may take a little longer to arrive.
Previous Meeting Between Meta and IT Officials
Prior to the notice, a Meta team had already met with officials from the IT Ministry. During that meeting, both sides discussed the potential risks associated with the username feature and the security measures that could mitigate them. The government reminded Meta that, as a major social media intermediary, WhatsApp carries a responsibility under the IT Act and related rules to implement necessary security protocols.
Meta’s Stance on the Feature
Meta has maintained that the username feature is not yet live and remains entirely optional. The company plans to introduce it in a phased manner later this year. According to Meta, several built-in security measures are already part of the feature’s design. These include:
- Reserving usernames for verified accounts, including those of celebrities, government institutions, and other high-profile entities.
- Reserving similar or closely matching usernames to prevent impersonation.
- Requiring a mobile number to continue using WhatsApp, even with a username.
- Displaying additional information to users when they receive a first-time message from a new username.
What Information Appears on the First Message?
Meta has explained that when someone sends a message using a username for the first time, WhatsApp will provide the recipient with a warning. This alert will indicate whether the account is new or established, whether it is already in the recipient’s contact list, whether it shares any common groups, and the country from which the message originates—whether from within India or abroad. The goal is to help users make informed decisions before replying.
Telegram and Signal Also Under Scrutiny
WhatsApp is not the only platform facing government questions. The IT Ministry has also sent notices to Telegram and Signal, asking them to explain how they manage fraud and identity theft risks through their existing username features. Additionally, Meta received a separate notice regarding advertisements on Instagram that allegedly contain child sexual abuse material. Telegram has also been directed to curb the distribution of pirated movies and OTT content on its platform.
What Happens Next?
Once Meta submits its response today, the government will review the proposed security measures. If the ministry is satisfied, the path may clear for WhatsApp to launch the username feature in India. However, if the response fails to address the concerns adequately, the rollout could face further delays or be subject to additional conditions.
