WhatsApp: Will WhatsApp's new feature increase cyber fraud? The government is examining Meta's response..

Meta, which is preparing to enable WhatsApp chats without revealing mobile numbers, must currently await approval from the Indian government. The government had sought a response from the company regarding WhatsApp's proposed 'username feature,' and Meta has now submitted its position. The central government is currently reviewing this response in detail while also considering the formulation of a uniform policy regarding username-related regulations.

WhatsApp is preparing to introduce a feature that allows users to connect using only a username, without sharing their mobile numbers. However, the government apprehends that this facility could become a new tool for cybercriminals.

In light of this concern, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued a notice to Meta last week. The government stated that if the use of usernames replaces mobile numbers, there could be a rise in cybercrimes—such as the creation of fake identities, online fraud, phishing, and 'digital arrests'—as well as other forms of deception. Consequently, identifying criminals would become significantly more difficult.

In its notice, the government explicitly instructed WhatsApp not to launch this feature in India until all necessary consultations with the government were concluded. Meta was also asked to explain why action should not be taken against it under the Information Technology Act and associated rules.

Upon receiving the notice, WhatsApp requested additional time to submit its response. The company assured the government that the username feature would not be launched in India until discussions with the authorities were completed.

The government has now received Meta's response. According to sources, the ministry is examining every aspect of the submission. Simultaneously, the government is exploring the possibility of formulating a uniform policy for username-related regulations across social media and messaging platforms, ensuring that consistent standards apply to all companies in the future.

For now, the government has not reached a final decision on the matter; the next course of action will be determined only after the review of Meta's response is complete. Meanwhile, no official statement has been issued regarding this matter even after the company submitted its response.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News18 Hindi. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.