Meta meets IT Ministry as Centre scrutinises WhatsApp username feature

NEW DELHI: A username may sound simple, but the Centre believes it could come with complex consequences. Representatives from Meta met officials from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) on Thursday after the government issued a notice over the proposed rollout of usernames on WhatsApp in India.

According to sources cited by PTI, the meeting was held after MeitY summoned the company to explain the proposed feature and its potential implications for user safety. During the discussions, ministry officials outlined the government’s concerns over how usernames could be misused if introduced without adequate safeguards.

Sources said Meta has been given three days to submit a detailed explanation and is expected to file its formal response within the stipulated timeline.

The meeting follows a notice issued by the Centre on Wednesday directing Meta to pause the rollout of the username feature until consultations with the government are completed to its satisfaction.

In the notice, the government warned that allowing WhatsApp users to connect through usernames instead of phone numbers could materially increase the risk of online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams and impersonation attacks.

The Centre also sought an explanation from Meta on why action should not be initiated against the company under the Information Technology Act and the associated intermediary rules, citing concerns that the feature could contribute to a rise in cybercrime.

The government further reminded Meta that WhatsApp, as a significant social media intermediary, is required to comply with due diligence obligations under the Information Technology Act. These include taking reasonable measures to protect users and preventing misuse of the platform.

The proposed feature is designed to let users communicate without sharing their mobile numbers, offering greater privacy. However, regulators are examining whether the same functionality could also make it easier for fraudsters to impersonate individuals or evade existing identity checks.

Meta has not publicly commented on Thursday’s meeting. The company is expected to address the concerns raised by the government in its written submission, which could determine whether the feature is allowed to roll out in India or remains on hold pending further discussions.

The development highlights the government’s increasing scrutiny of new digital features that could affect user safety, even as technology companies seek to enhance privacy and improve user experience. The outcome of the consultations may also shape how similar identity-related features are introduced on messaging platforms in the future.