New Delhi:
According to sources, the government has also directed Meta not to roll out the feature until consultations on the matter are completed. The move follows privacy and safety concerns raised over the feature, which allows users to create optional unique identifiers for their WhatsApp accounts.
Meta describes a username as an optional handle beginning with the “@” symbol, such as @Name123, which can be used by others to message or call a person while keeping their phone number private. The username is different from a display name, which appears on a user’s profile and does not have to be unique.
Under the feature, people who do not have a user’s phone number saved will see the username by default when interacting through group chats, direct messages or calls. Meta says usernames will be unique to each account, and certain handles will be reserved for businesses, governments and public figures.
However, internet users and domain experts have flagged concerns that the feature could be misused for impersonation, with cybercriminals potentially creating handles that mimic individuals, officials or institutions.
Government sources said authorities will examine the legal mechanisms available to block the feature if required. “The government will look into WhatsApp’s username feature over impersonation concerns. It will also examine the legality of the feature and possible legal mechanisms to block it,” a source said.