The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has extended the deadline for WhatsApp to respond to the government’s queries regarding its upcoming username feature. According to government officials, the messaging platform now has until July 9 to submit its response.
The extension comes as authorities continue to examine privacy, security and law enforcement implications associated with the new feature before any rollout in India.
Deadline Extended by Three Days
Earlier, government officials had asked WhatsApp to respond by July 6. The latest extension gives the company three additional days to provide a detailed explanation addressing the Centre’s concerns.
Officials familiar with the matter said the notice was issued after the government sought more information about how the feature would function and the safeguards that would be in place.
What Is the WhatsApp Username Feature?
WhatsApp has introduced a username feature that allows users to connect without sharing their mobile phone numbers.
The company has clarified that usernames are different from display names.
- Usernames will be unique for every account.
- Display names can be identical across multiple users and appear on profile pages.
The feature is intended to offer users an additional layer of privacy by reducing the need to share phone numbers during conversations.
Government Raises Privacy and Security Questions
According to sources, the Centre has asked Meta not to introduce the username feature in India until ongoing consultations are completed.
Officials are examining whether the new system could create challenges related to identity verification, online safety and digital fraud.
The government is also reviewing whether existing safeguards would be sufficient to prevent misuse of usernames.
Law Enforcement Expresses Concerns
A senior official from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) said the proposed feature could make it more difficult for investigators to identify individuals involved in online fraud or impersonation.
According to the official, bad actors could potentially create misleading profiles using publicly identifiable names or photographs, complicating efforts by law enforcement agencies to verify identities or trace accounts.
The official noted that investigators are assessing how the feature could affect existing processes used during cybercrime investigations.
Consultations Continue
The government and Meta are expected to continue discussions over the coming days before any decision is made regarding the rollout of the username feature in India.
Officials said the review is focused on balancing user privacy with cybersecurity, public safety and law enforcement requirements.
WhatsApp has not yet publicly commented on the extension of the deadline.
