The government asked Meta to delay the launch of WhatsApp’s new username feature in India, citing security concerns. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has now sent notices to Telegram and Signal, seeking information about how their username feature works and what measures have been taken to safeguard against fraud, impersonation and misuse.
The government has asked Telegram to explain why the username feature should be allowed to continue, according to PTI. A source said, “The government has asked Telegram why the feature should be there.” Telegram and Signal already have a feature to communicate using a username, while WhatsApp just announced it; the feature hasn’t been launched yet in India.
Username features enable users to join without revealing their mobile phone number. This can enhance privacy but may also decrease traceability and increase the ease with which fraudsters can use fake identities.
Impersonation of public figures, government officials, banks, and trusted institutions is the key concern for the government. The officials are also concerned about the possible increase in phishing, online fraud, and “digital arrest” scams in India, which have become a growing cybercrime threat in India.
Earlier, MeitY had requested WhatsApp to provide them with information explaining their security measures within three days and to refrain from introducing the feature till the consultations are completed. India is WhatsApp’s largest market, with more than 500 million users, making any new feature a major regulatory concern.
Anonymity will make it more difficult for law enforcement to catch cybercriminals by hiding their phone numbers.
A username COULD increase the risk of impersonation with names that may be similar to those of government agencies, celebrities, or financial institutions.
Officials say digital arrest scams might be more easily facilitated if fraudsters can contact users without revealing phone numbers.
Phishing attacks might increase as fake profiles could send harmful links or fraudulent messages at scale.
The reduced traceability may undermine the association of SIM identity with messaging activity.
Also Read: 3-Day Warning to Meta, Centre Halts WhatsApp Username Rollout Over ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam Fears
According to WhatsApp, they will use usernames for public accounts, government bodies, celebrities, and verified Meta accounts. It has also suggested an optional "Username Key” for users, where they will have to provide a four-digit number along with their username before someone they don't know can contact them.
The government will review responses from WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal before taking action under the Indian IT laws.