New Delhi [India]: The government is considering issuing a notice to Meta over WhatsApp's proposed username feature, amid concerns that the new functionality could be misused in ways similar to those seen on rival messaging platform Telegram, according to media reports.
News platform India Today, through its sources, reported that the the Meta's move to introduce new privacy policy has caught attention of the government.
According to the tech experts, the Meta's move will make identification of scammers difficult in cases involving cybercrime, online fraud, and other unlawful activities.
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The proposed feature, which is yet to be rolled out widely, would allow WhatsApp users to interact using unique usernames rather than sharing their mobile numbers. The move is aimed at strengthening user privacy by addressing what has long been viewed as a gap on the platform, which is used by more than three billion people globally.
However, as per the media reports, the feature could also create new enforcement challenges if adequate safeguards are not put in place. According to reports, the government is examining the implications of the change and is considering sending a formal notice to Meta seeking clarification on the feature and the safeguards that would accompany its rollout.
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The concerns stem from fears that username-based communication could enable anonymous interactions, potentially complicating efforts by law enforcement agencies to identify individuals involved in criminal activities. Officials are understood to have drawn parallels with Telegram, where username-based discovery and communication have, at times, raised concerns around misuse by bad actors.
While the feature is designed to enhance privacy by reducing the need to share personal phone numbers, the government is expected to seek assurances that existing legal compliance and traceability obligations will not be undermined.
Meta has not publicly responded to the government's reported concerns. The company has previously maintained that WhatsApp continues to offer end-to-end encryption while working to improve user privacy and safety through new features.
The development comes as regulators globally continue to balance user privacy with public safety and law enforcement requirements, particularly as messaging platforms introduce new privacy-focused tools.
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