Username feature row: Govt gives WhatsApp 3 more days to reply to notice

NEW DELHI: Govt has given WhatsApp three more days to respond to its notice over the messaging platform's proposed username feature. The Meta-owned company has assured the govt it will not roll out the feature in India until consultations are complete.According to a PTI report, WhatsApp sought additional time to reply to the ministry of electronics and IT (MeitY) after govt raised concerns that the feature could increase online fraud, phishing, impersonation and so-called "digital arrest" scams. The original deadline expired last week. The proposed feature would allow users to communicate without sharing their mobile phone numbers by using unique usernames instead.Feature is still under development, will be introduced later this year: WhatsAppLast week, govt asked Meta to put the rollout on hold until discussions with the govt reached a satisfactory conclusion. It also sought an explanation on why action should not be initiated under the Information Technology Act and related rules, arguing that the feature could heighten cybercrime risks.WhatsApp has maintained that the feature is still under development and will be introduced gradually later this year. It said users would still need a phone number to create an account and that several safeguards had been built into the system to prevent abuse. The company said high-profile usernames, including those of public figures, govt entities and verified Meta accounts, would be reserved for legitimate owners. It also plans to limit unsolicited messages, block repeated attempts to guess usernames and detect suspicious behaviour.WhatsApp added that users receiving a first message through a username would be shown contextual information, including whether the sender is a new account, shares common groups or is based in another country, to help them decide whether to respond.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.