India’s government is closely monitoring WhatsApp’s new username feature after asking Meta to explain the use of this feature as well as the impact on user privacy, digital security, legal and regulatory compliance is not only to be kept under the radar.
But also to understand whether or not it will be able to be used as a threat to identity verification, to the security of the internet and to open a new form of anonymous accounts on one of the most popular messaging platforms around the world, the Indian government has said.
WhatsApp has been testing a username-based protocol that lets users communicate using the web address they know, rather than the phone number they use to send messages.
But the Centre has raised questions about the impact of the feature, specifically on user authentication, traceability and the prevention of cybercrime. Meta's response has been studied in government officials’ eyes to determine whether more regulation is needed or there are additional precautions.
The username system proposed is also a radical change from WhatsApp's phone number-based identity system. Privacy proponents say it will improve the user’s protection from unwanted contacts, spam messages and data abuse in chat. People involved in public groups, in business or even in online communities will be able to keep their phone numbers private.
At the same time, cybersecurity experts believe that the introduction of usernames would raise new problems if adequate verification mechanisms are not implemented. If not enough identification checks and reporting systems are put in place on the platform, fake accounts, impersonation attempts, phishing scams and fraud can become easier.
Meta has even provided explanations to the government on how the feature will work, including measures to preserve platform security while still protecting user privacy, the report said. Although the company hasn’t publicly stated a launch date, the username feature is currently being developed and tested in beta versions of WhatsApp.
The government’s review is an indication of India’s greater focus on digital governance and digital technology in a more consolidated way where new technologies are well-suited for data technology as it is already in the digital age and all new technologies need to be done in line with existing regulations and rules around information technology. New digital features introduced by big tech companies are constantly being looked at by authorities to ensure they align with legal requirements and protect users from potential online threats.
If approved, the WhatsApp usernames could be one of the most privacy-oriented changes in recent years for the company, industry experts say, and could be one of the most significant. It’s already common for a number of social media and messaging apps to use such username systems, which allow users to communicate without publicizing their phone number.
For businesses, creators, and professionals we shall see that usernames can make customer engagement simpler and private. Meanwhile, ordinary users may have more control over who has access to their contact information.
As Meta and the government are in discussions, the final implementation of the feature would be dependent on how accountability, cybersecurity, and user safety can be resolved. The outcome of the review will also determine the future privacy-centric communication features that will be built in India’s rapidly evolving digital environment.
And as millions of Indians employ WhatsApp for personal and professional communication every day, any major change to the platform's identity system is expected to attract close attention from both regulators and users alike.
