Centre grants Meta three more days to submit response on WhatsApp username feature
PTC News Desk: Meta-owned WhatsApp has been given more time by the government to explain its proposed username feature and has assured authorities that it will not launch the feature in India until discussions are completed, sources said.
The messaging platform has received an additional three days to respond to a government notice after requesting more time. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) had issued the notice on July 1, raising concerns that usernames could increase the risk of online scams, fraud, and impersonation.
Initially, WhatsApp was asked to submit a detailed explanation within three days and was told not to roll out the feature until talks with the government were finished. After Meta requested extra time, the government extended the deadline by another three days.
A Meta team also met officials from the IT Ministry last week to discuss the issue.
The government reminded Meta that WhatsApp must follow all due diligence requirements under the IT Act and the IT Rules applicable to major social media platforms.
A WhatsApp spokesperson said users will be able to reserve usernames, but the feature is not yet available and will be introduced gradually later this year. The company also said it has already reserved usernames of public figures, government organisations, celebrities, and verified Meta accounts, as well as similar-looking usernames, to help prevent impersonation.
- With inputs from agencies
