After Meta-owned WhatsApp introduced the new Username feature, allowing users to create a unique handle instead of sharing their phone numbers, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued a notice to WhatsApp directing it to provide a detailed explanation of the feature within three days.
The Ministry, in its notice, mentioned the concerns within the government regarding the new feature, stating that risks of impersonation, phishing and financial fraud can happen with the new proposed feature, which allows users to communicate without sharing their phone numbers.
The ministry, in its notice, mentioned that it is examining the legal implications of the feature, and authorities are also exploring legal options, including measures to restrict or block the feature if found to pose significant risks.
What is the New Username Feature on WhatsApp
According to the details in the notice, the new usernames feature will permit existing and new users on WhatsApp to reserve unique usernames and, upon full activation, to initiate and conduct conversations by exchanging usernames alone, without disclosing their mobile telephone numbers. Once the feature is enabled, the recipient's phone number will no longer be visible to a first-time contact and an optional "username key" may be set as an additional control.
The government, in its notice, mentioned that “It is felt that the feature may materially increase the incidence of online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams and impersonation attacks, by enabling bad actors to solicit and message victims.
Furthermore, this feature may facilitate impersonation and identity spoofing, including impersonation of individuals, public authorities, financial institutions, and government agencies, by permitting the adoption of usernames closely resembling those of genuine persons or institutions.”
The Ministry, in its notice, has directed WhatsApp to explain why regulatory action should not be initiated under the Information Technology Act, 2000 ("IT Act"), the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 ("IT Rules, 2021") and other applicable laws for launching a feature that may increase cybercrimes.
The government has also directed WhatsApp not to roll out this feature until the consultation on this point is achieved to the satisfaction of the Government.
