The central government has sent notices to Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, regarding the upcoming username feature that would allow users to communicate without sharing phone numbers. The government has raised serious concerns about potential security risks associated with this new feature, which has been under development by the messaging platform. Officials have ordered the company to provide a detailed explanation about the feature and its safety measures.
Meta has been given a strict deadline of 3 days to respond to the government’s notice and provide clarification on how the username feature will address security concerns. The government has explicitly instructed the company not to launch this feature in India until all concerns are adequately addressed and proper safeguards are put in place. The notice comes at a time when privacy and security on digital platforms have become major concerns for regulatory authorities across the country.
The proposed WhatsApp username feature would enable users to interact with others using only usernames, eliminating the need to share mobile phone numbers. While this might appear to offer enhanced privacy, authorities have expressed worries that it could create numerous risks including potential misuse for fraudulent activities, difficulty in tracing malicious actors, and challenges in law enforcement investigations. The feature has raised questions about user verification and accountability on the platform.
