The Indian government on Wednesday expressed concern over the new username feature being introduced by social messaging platform WhatsApp. Highly placed sources indicated that the issue is being monitored closely as it poses possible risks to digital security, and the company could be sent a notice on the matter.
Government Monitoring Potential Misuse
Sources said that social media platforms must ensure that their products are not misused for impersonation, scams, or misinformation. They added that misuse through usernames, edited messages, fake groups, or impersonation could invite regulatory action similar to the measures taken against Telegram during the NEET examination controversy.
“Platforms must ensure their architecture is not used to create mischief. If it is, the response will be calibrated but firm,” an official said.
Digital Security Risks
Features like username registration may pose risks to digital security as it could be misused by creating usernames in anyone’s name. Therefore, the ministry is looking into the issue and will discuss the matter with the relevant departments. Every legal aspect of the issue will be examined.
WhatsApp is expected to roll out the username feature later this year, which will allow users to communicate without sharing their phone numbers. While privacy advocates say the move could reduce exposure to risks such as contact scraping and SIM-swapping attacks, experts have raised concerns about identity fraud, impersonation, and data-sharing implications.
Regulatory Precedent
The government's stance echoes previous actions taken against Telegram, which faced scrutiny during the NEET examination controversy for enabling the spread of leaked question papers. The official hinted that similar measures could be applied to WhatsApp if the username feature leads to widespread misuse.
The development underscores the ongoing tension between privacy-enhancing features and the need for accountability and security on digital platforms. The government is expected to issue a formal notice to WhatsApp seeking clarifications on how the platform plans to prevent misuse of the username feature.
