The Central government has given Meta three more days to explain the proposed WhatsApp username feature, extending the deadline for its response until July 9. The feature, which would allow users to communicate without sharing their phone numbers, will remain on hold in India until discussions with the government are completed.
The extension follows a meeting between Meta representatives and officials from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The government is seeking detailed clarification on how the feature will work, the safeguards against misuse, and the mechanisms to prevent impersonation, phishing, fraud and other cybercrimes.
The Centre had earlier issued a notice directing Meta not to roll out the feature in India until regulatory consultations were completed. Officials have expressed concern that username-based messaging could make it easier for fraudsters to hide their identities and carry out online scams if adequate safeguards are not in place.
Meta has assured the government that the feature will not be launched in India until the consultation process is complete. The discussions are expected to determine whether additional security and verification measures are required before the username-based messaging system is introduced to Indian users.
