The Indian government has issued a notice to Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, directing the company not to roll out the username feature in India until a consultation process is concluded. Sources confirmed the development on Wednesday, adding that the government has also demanded a detailed explanation from Meta regarding the feature within three days.
Government's Directive and Timeline
According to sources, the Centre's notice explicitly instructs Meta to halt any rollout of the WhatsApp username feature until further discussions with the government are completed. The company has been given a three-day window to submit a comprehensive explanation about the feature's implications, including data privacy and security concerns.
Context of the Notice
The move comes amid growing scrutiny of digital platforms in India, where WhatsApp has over 500 million users. The username feature would allow users to create unique identifiers, potentially reducing reliance on phone numbers for contact discovery. However, the government has raised concerns about how such features could impact user privacy, traceability, and compliance with local laws.
Meta's Response and Next Steps
Meta has not yet publicly responded to the notice. The company is expected to provide the requested explanation within the stipulated timeframe, after which the government will decide on the next course of action. The consultation process aims to address regulatory concerns before any feature is launched in the Indian market.
Broader Regulatory Landscape
This development is part of a broader trend of increased regulation of tech companies in India. The government has been actively engaging with social media and messaging platforms to ensure compliance with IT rules and data protection norms. The username feature, while offering convenience, raises questions about its alignment with India's digital sovereignty and security frameworks.
