WhatsApp username row:The Central government is considering introducing uniform rules and standards for all messaging platforms operating in the country. The move follows WhatsApp’s proposal to introduce a new feature allowing users to chat using only a ‘username’, without the need for a phone number.
According to a report by The Hindustan Times, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is exploring the possibility of drafting a common regulatory framework applicable to all messaging apps equally, rather than taking standalone decisions for individual platforms.
The government had previously opposed WhatsApp’s username plan, arguing that allowing users to communicate without phone numbers would make it easier for fraudsters to impersonate individuals. Officials fear this could lead to a rise in online scams, such as ‘digital arrests’ and phishing. Furthermore, the absence of phone numbers would make it significantly difficult for law enforcement agencies to track and investigate criminals.
To ensure legal robustness, the government wants identical rules across all platforms. A government official quoted in the report noted that the state cannot restrict one app from introducing a feature while allowing others to continue using it, emphasizing that rules must be uniform for everyone. The government plans to hold consultations with all major messaging platforms before finalizing its decision.
As part of this process, the IT Ministry has issued notices to WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal, seeking details on how their username features address concerns related to fraud and impersonation.
According to government sources, responses from WhatsApp and Telegram have been received and are currently being reviewed, though their contents have not been made public yet.
Earlier, the government had asked WhatsApp to defer the rollout of this feature in India. In response, WhatsApp assured the government that it will not launch the feature in the country until the ongoing discussions are concluded. WhatsApp has nearly 500 million users in India, significantly higher than rivals like Telegram and Signal.
