Representative image NEW DELHI: Govt has directed Meta-owned WhatsApp not to roll out its proposed usernames feature in India until further consultations are completed, while asking the company to submit a detailed explanation within three days on how the system will operate and prevent misuse.In a notice issued to WhatsApp’s chief compliance officer, MeITY said it had taken note of the company’s announcement that users would soon be able to reserve unique usernames, and eventually, start conversations without sharing their mobile-phone numbers.New feature could increase phishing, digital arrests: GovtOnce activated, the feature would allow first-time contact through usernames alone, and users would also have the option of protecting their account with a “username key”.While acknowledging the privacy benefits, the notice by the ministry of electronics and information technology said the change could “materially increase” incidents of online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams and impersonation by making it easier for malicious actors to contact unsuspecting users.The notice also flagged the possibility of identity spoofing through usernames resembling those of individuals, public authorities, financial institutions and govt agencies, raising concerns that fraudsters could exploit the feature to deceive users.Citing Information Technology Act, 2000, and IT Rules, 2021, the notice asked Meta to explain “why regulatory action ought not to be initiated” for launching a feature that, in govt’s view, “may increase cybercrimes”. It also reminded WhatsApp that as a “significant social media intermediary”, it is bound by due diligence requirements under the IT Rules, including provisions related to impersonation, identity theft and tracing the first originator of messages where lawfully required.WhatsApp has been directed to furnish a detailed explanation, supported by relevant documents, within three days of receiving the communication. The company has also been instructed not to launch the feature in India until consultations with govt are concluded “to the satisfaction of govt”.Responding to the development, a WhatsApp spokesperson said the usernames feature has not yet gone live and will be rolled out gradually later this year. The company said, “Users will still require a phone number to use WhatsApp and that usernames are designed to add another layer of privacy rather than replace existing account verification.” It added that public figures, govt entities, celebrities and verified Meta accounts will have their usernames reserved to prevent impersonation, while lookalike variants will also be blocked.WhatsApp said it has “built multiple safeguards into the feature, including limits on how many new users an account can contact, protections against repeated attempts to guess usernames, and systems to detect impersonation and abusive behaviour”.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Highly Deplorable’: India Slams Pakistan Over Demolition Of 125-Year-Old Gurdwara In FarooqabadHealth Concerns Mount As Sonam Wangchuk’s Blood Sugar Falls, Weight Drops As Fast ContinuesDMK Seeks FIR Against CM Vijay, Alleges Plot To Induce MLAs And Alter Assembly NumbersCongress Claims BJP in West Bengal “Will Be Equally Aggressive”; MP Sparks Debate On GovernanceIran Invites BJP Chief Nitin Nabin, Congress Prez Kharge, Pawan Khera To Khamenei’s Funeral: ReportModi Cabinet Reshuffle Buzz: Will NDA Allies And Rebel MPs Find A Place In The Union Cabinet?Three Arrested, Senthil Balaji Under Scanner In Alleged TVK Government Toppling BidCongress Moves Privilege Motion Against Rajnath Singh Over Op Sindoor Claims; Seeks Transparency’Neglecting For 2.5 Years’ Kailash Vijayvargiya’s Letter To CM Mohan Yadav Triggers Political StormWATCH: Eggs, Vegetables Hurled At Mahua Moitra; TMC MP Accuses ‘BJP Goons’, Says Police Stood By123PhotostoriesLock Upp 2: Ram Kapoor, Sunita Ahuja to Akanksha Chamola—contestants’ net worth revealed; this celebrity tops the list with Rs 135 croreWilliam Faulkner’s quote, ‘You cannot swim for new horizons until you have courage to lose sight of the shore,’ perfectly explains why growth demands riskThink you will get your full deposit back? These surprisingly common move-out mistakes could lead to major deductions from your security depositPsychology says children need their parents the most during these 5 vulnerable moments of the day and how parents should respond during these momentsVande Bharat on a budget: 5 routes you can travel for under INR 1,5005 secrets to build an aura everyone feels attracted toPersonality test: Solo trip or holiday with your partner? What your travel style tells you about yourself5 shocking facts about octopuses that seem too strange to be realBengaluru daycare horror: 8 red flags every parent should know before choosing a daycare10 beautiful baby girl names inspired by the beauty of nature and their heartwarming meanings123Hot PicksLPG gas pricePatrick MahomesNEET PG RegistrationEmployees Provident Funds SchemeGTA 6India vs England t20Marcus SmartNayara petrol priceHow to Watch FIFA World Cup TodayTop TrendingNayara energy petrol priceLPG priceKetan Agarwal Murder CaseFIFA World Cup 2026Monaco BlastBengaluru TechieAnukalp MishraSergei IvanovIndigo Check-in Bag FaresAyodhya Ram Temple Donation Theft
NEW DELHI: Govt has directed Meta-owned WhatsApp not to roll out its proposed usernames feature in India until further consultations are completed, while asking the company to submit a detailed explanation within three days on how the system will operate and prevent misuse.In a notice issued to WhatsApp’s chief compliance officer, MeITY said it had…
