Centre May Send Notice to Meta Over WhatsApp Username Plan

The Centre is examining the legal and safety implications of WhatsApp’s proposed username feature, with officials indicating that action, including a possible legal notice to Meta, could be considered if the feature is found to facilitate impersonation or create user security risks.

Government assessing legal options

The government is scrutinising Meta-owned WhatsApp’s proposed username feature amid concerns that it could increase the risk of impersonation if sufficient safeguards are not in place.

Government sources told ANI that authorities are evaluating the legal framework surrounding the feature and may explore mechanisms to restrict or block it if it is deemed risky for users.

"The government will look into WhatsApp's username feature over impersonation concerns. It will look into legal mechanisms to possibly block feature also the legality of WhatsApp's username feature. If feature is found risk-prone, the government could send legal notice to Meta," a source said.

According to the sources, the review will focus on both the legality of the feature and its potential impact on user safety.

Concerns over identity misuse

The proposed feature has raised concerns within government circles that it could make impersonation easier, particularly if robust verification and security measures are not built into the system.

Officials are expected to assess whether the feature could be exploited by bad actors to misrepresent identities, potentially leading to fraud, misinformation, or other forms of misuse.

The government’s review comes before the feature has been made available to users, giving regulators an opportunity to evaluate its implications ahead of any wider rollout.

WhatsApp says feature aims to enhance privacy

WhatsApp is currently developing and testing a username reservation system that would allow users to create unique usernames linked to their accounts.

Once launched, the feature is expected to let people connect and communicate using usernames rather than sharing their phone numbers, a move the company says is designed to improve privacy and convenience.

The feature remains in the testing phase and is not yet available globally. WhatsApp has also not announced a timeline for its broader rollout.

Government sources said the feature will be examined from both legal and user-protection perspectives before any large-scale deployment.

(With inputs from ANI)