WhatsApp Usernames Feature Under Government Review in India

The Centre is currently examining the new WhatsApp usernames feature and is looking into legal avenues to regulate or limit its launch in India. This scrutiny arises from worries that the feature may encourage impersonation and online fraud, as reported by PTI quoting government sources.

Government’s Assessment of WhatsApp Usernames

According to reports, the government is determining if existing regulations sufficiently cover potential abuses linked to this feature, which allows users to communicate via usernames rather than phone numbers. Government officials are assessing whether additional actions are necessary prior to the feature’s introduction in the country.

Potential Legal Actions Against Meta

If the feature is deemed to pose considerable risks, the government may issue a legal notice to Meta, requesting information about the safeguards integral to the feature and the strategies implemented to avert impersonation and fraud. Authorities might also contemplate measures to halt or postpone the rollout if the responses received from the company are deemed inadequate.

Concerns Over Impersonation and Fraud

The worries originate from the risk that users could devise usernames that mimic those of government departments, businesses, public figures, or brands. This situation may create opportunities for fraudsters to impersonate legitimate entities and execute scams with greater ease.

WhatsApp’s Beta Usernames Feature

WhatsApp has recently launched its usernames feature in beta, permitting users to connect without the necessity of sharing their phone numbers. Meta has stated that the feature aims to bolster user privacy and includes certain safeguards to minimise the likelihood of impersonation.