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WhatsApp’s new username feature — which will allow users to interact without exposing their phone numbers — is drawing skepticism from the Union Government, with a senior official saying on July 1, that the Government was worried about the potential for spam and impersonation.
A notice has now been sent to WhatsApp, asking it to put the feature on hold for the time being. The notice, sent on July 1 by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has sought an “explanation” from Meta about the new feature, along with documentation, “within three days”.
“You are also directed not to roll out this feature until the consultation on this point is achieved to the satisfaction of the Government,” it says.
While introducing the feature, WhatsApp said that the username will keep phone numbers “private”.
The Government’s notice says the feature could “materially increase fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams” in India, enable “bad actors to solicit and message victims” and warns that users might impersonate individuals or Government authorities if they get usernames.
Meta announced the roll-out of the username feature globally on June 29 and said it will include India as part of a phased introduction. Some WhatsApp users in India received alerts that they could “reserve” a preferred username in advance of the roll-out.
The Government’s notice says the feature could “materially increase fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams” in India, enable “bad actors to solicit and message victims” and warns that users might impersonate individuals or Government authorities if they get usernames.
“Usernames are coming soon. We’ll let you know when yours is ready to use,” WhatsApp said on the app. An FAQ explains that a reserved name can be booked now, to be used later. A username is “unique”, it says, can be changed or deleted, but not duplicated by another user. Reserving or using one is “completely optional”.
As per the Government’s notice, “once the feature is enabled”, the WhatsApp user’s phone number will “no longer be visible” to a first-time contact, while an additional “username key” could serve as an additional [security] control.
On the other hand, WhatsApp’s FAQ says, “Once your username becomes active, you can share your username when you want to give someone a way to contact you on WhatsApp without having to share your phone number.” It adds that the username will keep phone numbers “private”.
It also explains that those who “don’t have your phone number saved will see your username instead”.
The Government’s notice demands to know why Meta should not face action for offering this service.