Top News

India Government On Messaging Apps Rules: If you are waiting for the new Username feature of WhatsApp through which you can chat only with your username without sharing your mobile number, then you may have to wait a little longer. It is being told that the controversy that started regarding this feature has now taken a big form. It is being said in media reports that the Central Government is considering preparing similar rules not only for WhatsApp but also for messaging platforms like Telegram and Signal.

It is being said that the government is concerned about the fact that if the facility to initiate conversation is available only through username instead of mobile number, then the cases of cyber crime and online fraud may increase. The government had recently sought a response from WhatsApp on the same issue, to which the company has responded.

Why can similar rules be made for all apps?

It is being said in the reports that the aim of the government is to make social media and messaging platforms more secure. If the new regulatory framework comes into effect, all major messaging apps including WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal will have to follow the same rules. Regarding this, the officials believe that this will ensure accountability of the companies and effective control can be exercised on matters like fake ID, cyber fraud, digital scams, phishing attacks and online harassment. Besides, it will also be easy to set uniform security standards for all platforms.

What is the government most afraid of?

The biggest concern of the government is that if users hide their mobile numbers and communicate only through usernames, then it may become easier for cyber criminals to target people by creating fake identities. Especially, there is a possibility of increase in cases of phishing and identity fraud. For this reason, the government has sought answers not only from WhatsApp but also from Telegram and Signal, which already provide username-based chat and calling facility. At present the responses of the three companies are being reviewed.

WhatsApp gave its clarification

For your information, let us tell you that WhatsApp has said in its defense that the Username feature has been designed with multiple security levels. According to the company, there will be no public directory or search list in the app where anyone can search the username of any unknown person. WhatsApp says that to start a conversation with a new person, it will be necessary to have the exact username of the concerned user. The company claims that this system will help in preventing misuse of the feature. Now everyone’s eyes are on the next decision of the government because this decision can change the way messaging apps are used in India in future.