WhatsApp, Telegram Respond to Centre's Notices Over Username Features

WhatsApp has submitted its response to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) over concerns surrounding its upcoming username feature, with the extended deadline ending on Thursday. While officials confirmed that the ministry has received the response, they did not reveal what the company said.

Telegram has also replied to the government's notice, according to people familiar with the matter. Signal, however, had not responded by the time this report was filed.

The Centre had sent notices to WhatsApp on July 1, followed by Telegram and Signal on July 3, seeking details about the safety measures built into their username-based messaging systems. The government fears that such a feature could make it easier for scammers to impersonate others, steal identities, launch phishing attacks and carry out online fraud, including the growing menace of "digital arrest" scams.

WhatsApp was originally required to submit its response last week but sought more time after meeting MeitY officials on July 2. The ministry granted the company a four-day extension, which expired on Thursday.

The government has also asked WhatsApp not to introduce the username feature in India until consultations are complete. Officials had earlier said the company assured the Centre that it would hold off on the rollout until discussions with the government were concluded.

Apart from seeking an explanation on the safeguards, the ministry has reportedly asked Meta why action should not be initiated under the Information Technology Act and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules if the feature is found to increase cybercrime risks.

Officials have also reminded WhatsApp that, as a Significant Social Media Intermediary, it must continue to meet the due diligence requirements laid down under India's IT Rules.

WhatsApp has maintained that the username feature is still being developed and will be introduced in phases later this year. The company has stressed that users will still need a phone number to create an account and said it is building several safeguards before the feature goes live.

These include reserving usernames linked to public figures, government bodies and verified Meta accounts, limiting unwanted messages from unknown users, preventing repeated attempts to guess usernames, and using automated systems to detect suspicious activity.

With Meta's response now in hand, the government is expected to review the company's explanation before deciding its next course of action.