As the deadline to provide a detailed explanation on the ‘usernames’ feature is three days, Meta is set to submit its final response within that timeframe, sources added.
“Today, the Meta team met with Meity officials in response to the notice about the rollout of the ‘usernames’ feature on WhatsApp in India. Ministry officials made them aware of the government’s concerns regarding the feature,” sources stated.
On Wednesday, the Centre issued a notice to Meta questioning the proposed username feature on WhatsApp, highlighting worries it could significantly enhance online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams, and impersonation attacks.
The platform was instructed to halt the feature until consultations on the matter are concluded “to the satisfaction of the Government.”
The Centre also requested that Meta clarify why actions shouldn’t be taken under the IT Act and relevant rules concerning WhatsApp’s new feature, which may elevate the risk of cybercrimes.
The government reminded Meta that as a major social media intermediary, WhatsApp is obligated to fulfill due diligence requirements under the IT Act and associated regulations.
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