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WhatsApp Username Response: WhatsApp has submitted its response to the government regarding the username feature. The IT Ministry is currently reviewing it.

WhatsApp has submitted its response to the government regarding the username feature.

WhatsApp Username Response: WhatsApp, embroiled in controversy over the username feature , has submitted a response to the government's notice on the matter. According to reports, the company has submitted its response, and the government is now reviewing it. The central government sent the notice to the company on Wednesday last week, raising concerns about the username feature and asking several questions. It also ordered the company to halt the launch of the feature.

What was the controversy regarding the username feature?

WhatsApp wants to roll out the username feature on its platform. To do this, it gave its users the option to reserve a username. The username feature would have allowed WhatsApp users to hide their mobile number. This means there's no need to share or exchange a mobile number to contact someone on WhatsApp. Like Instagram and Facebook, this could have been done using just a username, but due to government orders, this has been halted for now.

What is the government's concern about this feature?

Many people complained about this WhatsApp feature on social media. They said they were unable to reserve their names and that other people could use their identities. Due to such concerns, the government banned it. The government stated that this feature could increase cases of scams, cyber fraud, and impersonation. Furthermore, if someone creates a username similar to someone else's name or that of a government department or bank, it would be easier to defraud people. However, WhatsApp defended the feature, stating that it had made adequate security arrangements and was not launching the feature yet.

After WhatsApp, notices were also sent to Telegram and Signal.

The username feature was already available on platforms like Telegram and Signal. After the WhatsApp issue came to light, the government sent notices to both platforms , asking them what the process for creating usernames was and what security measures were in place to prevent fake or similar usernames. Responses from these companies have not yet been reported. This week, IT Secretary S. Krishnan stated that both platforms have been given additional time and that their responses will be forthcoming soon.