Meta Meets IT Ministry Regarding WhatsApp Usernames To File Response Within 3 Days | Today’s news
Mumbai: Representatives of Meta-owned WhatsApp met officials of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) on Friday to discuss the company’s proposed “usernames” feature, as the government reiterated its concerns about the tool being misused for online fraud and impersonation, two senior government officials said. Mint.
MeitY officials have asked the company to submit a written explanation within three days, the people said.
The meeting comes two days after the Center asked WhatsApp to suspend the rollout of the feature and explain how it intends to address concerns that usernames could increase the risk of online fraud. Mint reported on Wednesday.
According to a government memo to Meta, officials believe the feature could “substantially increase online fraud, phishing, digital arrests and impersonation attacks” by allowing malicious actors to contact potential victims without relying on verified phone numbers. Mint reported.
During Friday’s meeting WhatsApp took pains to explain the security mechanisms built into the feature and its privacy benefits. But government officials insisted the company must address concerns comprehensively before any rollout is considered.
According to a third senior government official, officials from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) have also raised concerns that the feature could allow overseas fraudsters to create fake identities, impersonate legitimate users and target Indian users with phishing and scam messages.
WhatsApp announced usernames feature on Monday, describing it as a privacy-focused update that lets users connect without sharing mobile numbers.
“Usernames are our latest step to make WhatsApp even more private. There’s no directory to browse and no suggestions – people will need to know your exact username to contact you the first time,” the company said in a blog post.
The platform said the feature is intended to help people connect with strangers, businesses, communities and users in online marketplaces without revealing their personal phone numbers.
Control goes beyond WhatsApp. This week, MeitY issued notices to WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal regarding privacy and security concerns arising from similar username-based communication features.
In June, the government banned Telegram for a week, citing the platform’s alleged failure to prevent the spread of leaked National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) documents, misinformation and other fraudulent activities related to the country’s entrance medical examination. Access to the platform was restored after the end of the one-week restriction.
