Representative image NEW DELHI: Meta has submitted its response to the Centre’s concerns over WhatsApp’s proposed “username” feature, with the ministry of electronics and information technology examining whether the safeguards outlined by the company are adequate to prevent impersonation, phishing and online fraud.Sources said WhatsApp’s reply was received late Thursday night following consultations between Meta representatives and MeitY officials. The ministry had earlier directed the company not to introduce the feature in India until the consultation process was completed. A source said the ministry is assessing the feature’s legal, privacy and cybersecurity implications.The proposed feature will allow users to create a unique identifier beginning with “@” and interact with others without disclosing their phone numbers. Officials have flagged the possibility of fraudsters creating names resembling those of govt departments, public figures, businesses and individuals to deceive users. Concerns have also been raised about its potential use in phishing, digital-arrest scams and other impersonation-based offences.Meta plans to reserve usernames associated with govt bodies, public figures and verified accounts for their legitimate owners. Similar-looking variations of prominent names will also be blocked. WhatsApp has proposed additional safeguards, including limits on the number of new users an account can contact. It has said usernames will be optional and users will require a mobile number to operate a WhatsApp account.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSupreme Court Drama: Petitioner Abuses CJI, Throws Papers; No Contempt Action TakenDevendra Fadnavis Clarifies ‘Bhade Ke Tattu’ Remark, Says He Will Call Critics ‘Hired Fools’Amit Shah Announces Smart Border Vision With Four-Pronged Security Grid40-Foot Illegal Pipeline Linked To IOCL Oil Network Found In Rajasthan; Police Probe Oil TheftThree-Fold Rise In Assam Budget: Aims At Uplifting People, Says CM Sarma’You Will Have To Kill Me’: Mamata’s Defiant Message As TMC Faces Major RebellionIRCTC Rolls Out Beta Website With Simpler Booking Experience; 4 Key Changes Explained’She Pleaded For Help, No One Listened’: What The CCTV Reveals About Jaipur Schoolgirl’s DeathIgnored Warnings Or Natural Calamity? Kerala Orders Probe Into Wayanad Landslide Tragedy’Exam Paper Came A Night Before’: UGC-NET Leak Trail, Whistleblower Tells His Story | Watch123PhotostoriesFrom Samosa to Bread Pakoda: Popular deep-fried snacks of India and their calorie count you should knowTop 6 most visited national parks in the USA every nature lover should experience once in their lifetimeHow Chanel No. 5 got its famous name: The story behind the iconic fragrance10 baby names that mean “miracle” in different cultures6 stunning red birds in India and where to find themIf your child says these 7 phrases often, psychologists say they’re asking for connectionAre you accidentally damaging your kidneys? Doctor reveals the common daily mistakes that can lead to silent kidney diseaseSreeleela and Kalyani Priyadarshan ace the Wimbledon dress code with timeless London fashion5 natural alternatives to collagen supplements for healthy hair and skinRed vs green vs yellow bell peppers: Who wins the nutrition face-off?123Hot PicksSIRBlake LivelyGurgaon EncounterCM VijayAlex PereiraPM ModiNico HischierStrait of HormuzSimone BilesTop TrendingGurgaon MonsoonAMU Seerat CertificateTelangana Techie Wife MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Weather TodayTS EAMCET Phase 1 seat allotmentRamesh MhatreDelhi NCR rainGurgaon EncounterIran war
NEW DELHI: Meta has submitted its response to the Centre’s concerns over WhatsApp’s proposed “username” feature, with the ministry of electronics and information technology examining whether the safeguards outlined by the company are adequate to prevent impersonation, phishing and online fraud.Sources said WhatsApp’s reply was received late Thursday night following consultations between Meta representatives and MeitY officials. The ministry had earlier directed the company not to introduce the feature in India until the consultation process was completed. A source said the ministry is assessing the feature’s legal, privacy and cybersecurity implications.The proposed feature will allow users to create a unique identifier beginning with “@” and interact with others without disclosing their phone numbers. Officials have flagged the possibility of fraudsters creating names resembling those of govt departments, public figures, businesses and individuals to deceive users. Concerns have also been raised about its potential use in phishing, digital-arrest scams and other impersonation-based offences.Meta plans to reserve usernames associated with govt bodies, public figures and verified accounts for their legitimate owners. Similar-looking variations of prominent names will also be blocked. WhatsApp has proposed additional safeguards, including limits on the number of new users an account can contact. It has said usernames will be optional and users will require a mobile number to operate a WhatsApp account.