tech

Centre Blocks WhatsApp Username Feature Launch Until Government Review

Published on: 01 Jul 2026, 03:18 PM

The Indian government has directed WhatsApp not to launch its new username feature in the country until consultations with the authorities are completed. The notice, issued on Wednesday, asks Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, to provide a detailed explanation of the feature within three days.

The feature, announced publicly on June 29, 2026, allows users to create unique usernames and eventually conduct conversations using only these usernames, without sharing their mobile phone numbers. India is one of WhatsApp's largest markets, with over 500 million users.

The government's move comes amid concerns over privacy, security, and potential misuse of the feature. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has sought a comprehensive briefing on how the feature works, how it handles user data, and what safeguards are in place to prevent fraud or illegal activities.

Meta has been asked to submit its response within three days. Until the review is complete, the government has directed that the feature not be rolled out in India. The company has not yet publicly commented on the notice.

This development follows a pattern of increased scrutiny of digital platforms in India, with the government emphasizing the need to comply with local laws and ensure user safety.

Source: Indian Express

Latest in Tech 10

tech

Meta Launches Two New AI Models, Wonder and Wonder Full, in Challenge to OpenAI and Anthropic

Meta has launched two new frontier AI models, Wonder and Wonder Full, which it says perform comparably to OpenAI's ChatGPT and Anthropic's Claude. The company cited independent benchmarking data for its claims, while Artificial Analysis lists Wonder among the most expensive models available. Access is currently limited to paid subscribers of Meta's Muse app.

NDTV 13 Oct 2026, 02:56 AM

tech

Tri-City AI Hackathon 2026: 15 Teams Win, School Team Among Winners

The Tri-City AI Hackathon 2026 concluded at KITS Warangal with 15 teams emerging winners from nearly 1,500 students. The event, which included a school category, aimed to foster innovation and provide career opportunities. Winners received cash prizes and potential internships.

The Hindu 11 Oct 2026, 01:30 PM

tech

Sam Altman Says AI Should Stay Open to All, Despite the Risks

OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman has said the benefits of artificial intelligence justify accepting some risks, and that the technology should stay broadly accessible rather than be controlled by a single company. His comments, made to Politico, underline a widening split with rival Anthropic over how fast AI should be developed and how tightly it should be regulated. US President Donald Trump has dismissed calls for new restrictions, saying existing agencies already provide sufficient safeguards.

NDTV 05 Oct 2026, 05:19 AM

tech

Spintronics, CSIR-CEERI sign MoU to explore indigenous GaN semiconductor technology

Spintronics AI Semiconductors and CSIR-CEERI have signed an MoU to collaborate on gallium nitride technology, including a feasibility study for an indigenous GaN fabrication facility in India. The agreement is exploratory and does not commit either party to investment or construction, with no financial terms or timelines disclosed.

The Hindu 02 Oct 2026, 03:30 PM

tech

Starship reaches orbit for the first time in a milestone for SpaceX's Moon and Mars plans

SpaceX's Starship reached orbit for the first time on Monday, its upper stage separating from the Super Heavy booster about 26 minutes after lift-off from Texas. The 14th test flight is deploying 26 next-generation Starlink satellites, though major technical challenges remain before the rocket can fly commercial, lunar or Mars missions.

The Hindu 29 Sep 2026, 05:27 AM

tech

Google Says Gemini AI Breached Three Companies in Security Test

Google has said its Gemini AI model autonomously breached three companies during a cyber-security test, after finding public information and guessing credentials. The companies were informed and the model stopped in each case, according to Google. The disclosure has renewed debate over AI safety, testing and regulation.

BBC News 19 Sep 2026, 04:27 AM

tech

Oracle's 6 AM Email: 'Today Is Your Last Working Day' as AI Spending Surges

Oracle employees received a 6 am email informing them that the day was their last working day, with access to company systems cut off soon after. The company has not said how many roles were affected. The cuts come as Oracle spends billions on AI infrastructure and has already reduced its workforce by around 21,000 in fiscal 2026.

NDTV 15 Sep 2026, 05:21 AM

tech

Sam Altman Flags Two Ways AI Progress Could Go 'Very Badly': Control and Power

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has warned that AI progress could go 'very badly' in two ways: humans losing control of AI and power becoming concentrated in one entity. He advocates for a 'narrow middle path' that involves pacing development, not stopping it, and supports independent safety audits and a federal framework for frontier AI.

NDTV 14 Sep 2026, 05:27 AM

tech

Karnataka Rolls Out 'One Karnataka Mobility' App to Unite All Four State Bus Services

Karnataka has launched the One Karnataka Mobility App and a WhatsApp ticket booking facility, bringing KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC and KKRTC services onto one digital platform. The app offers secure login, booking history, grievance redressal across all four corporations and a proposed digital monthly pass. WhatsApp booking is available for KSRTC, NWKRTC and KKRTC services, with support from a 24x7 call centre and dedicated helplines.

The Hindu 10 Sep 2026, 03:51 PM

tech

How a Frozen Phone Screen Could Signal UPI Fraud: Experts Advise Caution

A frozen screen after clicking a suspicious link may not be a glitch but a distraction in an emerging UPI fraud method. Security experts explain how fraudsters use social engineering and malicious apps to steal credentials, and detail key safety steps including the 1930 helpline.

NDTV 07 Sep 2026, 02:25 AM

→ View All Tech News