'Username feature facilitates cybercrime': Centre on IT notices to WhatsApp, Telegram & Signal

NEW DELHI: The government has sought an explanation from WhatsApp over its username feature, with the IT Secretary warning it could facilitate cybercrime by enabling impersonation and identity spoofing."We have taken up the issue of using usernames because there is a serious possibility of impersonations and there is the kind of encouragement that facilitates commit cybercrime, which is a very serious issue," S Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, said on the sidelines of a CII conference."This is another dimension of the way that cybercrimes can be committed, which is the reason why we have directed WhatsApp to explain why they have this feature. Similarly, we have sought explanations from others," he added.The government's concerns come amid growing scrutiny of username-based messaging features on encrypted platforms. Officials are examining whether such functionalities could make it easier for cybercriminals to conceal identities, impersonate users or evade detection during online fraud and other cyber offences.Centre issued notice to Meta, asked to pause rolloutOn Wednesday, the Centre issued a formal notice to Meta, stating that the username feature could "materially increase" online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams and impersonation attacks. The notice said the feature may enable bad actors to solicit and message victims, and facilitate impersonation of individuals, public authorities, financial institutions and government agencies by permitting the adoption of usernames closely resembling those of genuine persons or institutions.The government has asked Meta to furnish a detailed explanation within three days and directed the company not to roll out the feature until consultations are completed "to the satisfaction of the Government.""If the response is not found to be satisfactory, unless they can assure and convince, WhatsApp won't be allowed to proceed with the rollout," officials have indicated.WhatsApp says feature not yet live, has safeguardsWhatsApp has maintained that the username feature is not yet live and will be rolled out gradually later this year with multiple safeguards. The company says usernames are optional, cannot be searched by strangers, and users can enable an additional "username key" requiring both elements to be in place before someone can initiate contact.In a statement, a WhatsApp spokesperson said they have held the highest-profile names, including public figures, government entities, celebrities and verified Meta accounts, so they can only ever be claimed by their legitimate owners, with lookalike derivatives also held.The company claims it will display contextual warnings for first-time messages, limit outreach by new accounts, and monitor reports and blocks to detect impersonation and scam patterns.The MeitY has also sent notices to Telegram and Signal, asking both platforms to explain their username features and safeguards against impersonation and misuse. Telegram recently faced a week-long ban in India ahead of the NEET-UG re-examination in June.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.