WhatsApp keeps 'username feature' launch on hold; wins more time to respond to govt notice
New Delhi, July 6
Meta-backed messaging platform WhatsApp has assured the Indian government it will not roll out its proposed username feature in the country until ongoing consultations with authorities are completed, sources familiar with the matter said.
The Meta‑owned messaging platform has also been granted an additional three days to respond to the government notice seeking clarification on the feature. The original deadline for WhatsApp's reply had lapsed on Friday.
WhatsApp had proposed a username option which would allow users to communicate on WhatsApp without sharing their phone numbers.
The Central government issued a formal notice last week expressing concerns that such a move could heighten risks of online fraud, phishing and impersonation. The government asked WhatsApp to keep the feature on hold until discussions address its security and consumer‑protection concerns, and a Meta delegation met officials from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology on Friday to discuss the matter.
Earlier this week, WhatsApp reiterated that several safeguards have been built into the username feature to prevent impersonation, scams and unwanted contact as it prepares for a wider rollout later this year.
The messaging platform addressed a series of frequently asked questions on microblogging platform X after concerns were raised over the feature, including by the government, which has asked the company to defer its rollout in the country pending consultations.
The company said users will not be required to create a username and that existing Instagram and Facebook usernames, along with those of public figures, celebrities, government entities and Meta Verified accounts, have been reserved so they can only be claimed by their legitimate owners.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is such an overreach by the Indian government. Usernames would give users more privacy, not less. Meta should be allowed to roll it out with proper safeguards.
The government's concerns are valid. With the rise of digital scams, especially targeting elderly people, this is a sensible precaution. WhatsApp should cooperate fully.
Why does the government always have to put brakes on every feature? Usernames are optional anyway. People want privacy without sharing phone numbers. Let's trust the users! 😤
I see both sides. Yes, it could help with privacy, but impersonation and fraud are serious problems in India. WhatsApp needs to prove its safeguards actually work before launch.
Seems like India is always late to adopt new tech features. We need balance between innovation and security, not complete blocking. Hope they come to a reasonable conclusion.
At least they are reserving usernames for public figures and verified accounts. That shows some thought. But government should collaborate, not just delay everything. 🤔
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