Why govt finds WhatsApp username feature problematic: 'Fraud, digital arrest, impersonation'
Here's what the government said in its notice to WhatsApp.Govt finds WhatsApp username feature problematic(REUTERS)The Centre issued a notice to Meta on Wednesday, July 1, over the controversial phased rollout of the username feature on WhatsApp in India. Citing potential risks, the government warned the platform not to roll out the feature until consultations on the issue are completed.In its notice, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology notes that the new usernames feature will permit existing and new users on WhatsApp to reserve unique usernames. Upon full activation, the feature allows them to initiate and conduct conversations by exchanging usernames alone, without disclosing their mobile telephone numbers, it say.Why govt finds WhatsApp username feature problematicThe ministry warned that WhatsApp's new username feature could facilitate impersonation, fraud and online scams.Quick answers to key questions•5 QUESTIONSThe Indian government has raised concerns that the username feature could enable impersonation, online scams, and fraud by allowing users to communicate without revealing their phone numbers.By allowing usernames that can resemble those of real individuals, businesses, or authorities, bad actors could easily create fake profiles to solicit or deceive unsuspecting users.The government is assessing potential risks to national security, public safety, and the increase in opportunities for cybercrime that the username feature may create.Users can reserve their usernames by navigating to 'Settings', selecting 'Account', and then 'Username' in the latest version of the WhatsApp app.While the feature is designed to enhance privacy by not disclosing phone numbers, experts warn that it may complicate identity verification and increase the risk of misuse."It is understood that once the feature is enabled, the recipient's phone number will no longer be visible to a first-time contact and that an optional 'username key' may be set as an additional control," the ministry's notice red.“It is felt that the feature may materially increase the incidence of online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams and impersonation attacks, by enabling bad actors to solicit and message victims,” it added.The ministry said this feature may also “facilitate impersonation and identity spoofing, including impersonation of individuals, public authorities, financial institutions, and government agencies, by permitting the adoption of usernames closely resembling those of genuine persons or institutions.”Earlier, cybersecurity experts and startup founders claimed that users could create usernames resembling those of businesses, government agencies or public figures, potentially enabling impersonation, fraud and financial scams unless robust verification and anti-abuse safeguards are put in place.Paytm founder and Chief Executive Vijay Shekhar Sharma wrote on X that similar-sounding usernames could become a vector for impersonation and scams.Jasveer Singh, co-founder and Chief Executive of KnotDating, also questioned how the platform would balance user privacy with accountability.About the AuthorAkriti AnandAkriti Anand is a Deputy Chief Content Producer at LiveMint. She is a digital journalist with more than six years in the news industry.<br><br>
Discussion (0)