WhatsApp Replies to Government Username Notice
WhatsApp has submitted its response to the Union government’s notice concerning its proposed username feature. The Information Technology Ministry is examining the reply amid concerns that usernames could increase online fraud, phishing and impersonation risks.
WhatsApp Responds to Government Username Notice
The government had asked Meta-owned WhatsApp to explain the safeguards planned for its username feature and why regulatory action should not be considered under India’s information technology rules.
WhatsApp subsequently sought additional time to respond and assured the government that the feature would not be launched in India until official consultations were completed.
A Meta delegation also met IT Ministry officials after receiving the notice. WhatsApp has not publicly disclosed the details of its formal response.
WhatsApp Username Feature Faces Fraud Concerns
The proposed feature would allow users to communicate through unique usernames without revealing their phone numbers to other people.
Government officials have warned that the system could potentially increase digital-arrest scams, phishing attempts, online impersonation and other forms of cybercrime.
However, users would still need a phone number to create and operate a WhatsApp account. The company has said the username facility is not yet available and is expected to be introduced gradually.
WhatsApp Outlines Username Safety Measures
WhatsApp has reserved prominent names associated with public figures, celebrities, government bodies and verified accounts to prevent unauthorised use. Similar-looking variations of well-known names will also be restricted.
Users will need to know an exact username before starting a conversation. WhatsApp also plans to limit the number of new people an account can contact and block repeated attempts to guess usernames.
The platform will display additional information about first-time senders, including whether they are new users, existing contacts, members of mutual groups or located in another country.
The government has issued similar notices to Telegram and Signal regarding their username systems and safeguards against fraud and impersonation.
