WhatsApp Gets Extension on Username Feature Notice, Promises No India Rollout Until Talks End

The government has granted WhatsApp additional time to respond to its notice regarding the proposed 'username' feature, and the Meta-owned messaging platform has assured that the feature will not be launched in India until discussions with authorities are complete, according to sources familiar with the matter.

WhatsApp has been given three more days to submit its reply to the government notice, after it sought more time to file its response, sources told PTI. The username feature would allow users to communicate on the platform without sharing their phone numbers.

Last week, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issued a notice to Meta, flagging concerns that the feature could materially increase online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams, and impersonation attacks. The government has sought detailed information from WhatsApp on how the feature will be implemented and what safeguards are in place.

Privacy and security experts have previously raised concerns that such a feature could be misused by malicious actors, as it reduces the link between a user's identity and their phone number. However, WhatsApp has stated that the feature is designed to give users more control over their privacy.

WhatsApp, which has over 500 million users in India, has been under increased regulatory scrutiny in recent years regarding data protection and privacy practices. The company has maintained that it complies with local laws and remains committed to user safety.

The development comes amid ongoing discussions between the government and social media platforms over compliance with IT rules and data protection norms. The government has emphasized that any new feature must not compromise user security or facilitate criminal activity.

It remains unclear when the username feature will be rolled out globally, but WhatsApp has stated that it will not proceed with the launch in India until it has reached a satisfactory understanding with the authorities. The company is expected to file its detailed response within the extended deadline.