New Delhi: Meta representatives met officials from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) on Friday after the Centre issued a notice over WhatsApp’s proposed “username” feature in India, sources said.
During the meeting, ministry officials conveyed the government’s concerns that the feature could potentially facilitate cybercrimes, including online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams and identity impersonation. According to sources, Meta has been asked to provide a detailed explanation within three days and will submit its final response within the stipulated timeline.
The Centre had issued the notice on Wednesday, directing Meta to put the rollout of the username feature on hold until consultations with the government are completed to its satisfaction.
The government has also sought an explanation from the company on why action should not be initiated under the Information Technology Act and related rules. Officials believe the new feature, if introduced without adequate safeguards, could significantly increase the risk of cyber fraud and impersonation attacks.
The issue is now under discussion between Meta and the IT Ministry, with the government expected to review the company’s response before deciding on the next course of action.
