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Username Feature: The government’s stance regarding the new username feature on WhatsApp seems to be becoming increasingly strict. First, the government talked about banning the proposed Username feature of WhatsApp and now the central government is also eyeing messaging platforms like Telegram and Signal. In which this facility is already present on both the apps and now the IT Ministry can also seek answers from these companies as to how the real identity of the user is ensured and what arrangements have been made to stop fake accounts.

The government’s concern in this is that the username feature may become a new weapon for cyber criminals. In such a situation, an important conversation can be seen between tech companies and the government on this issue in the coming days.

What questions does the government want answers to?

Sources have so far revealed that the IT Ministry can ask many important questions to the companies. These include what the process for creating a username is, how to prevent fake or similar usernames, and what security measures are in place to prevent impersonation of the identity of a government entity, celebrity or private individual. Apart from this, clarification can also be sought on the process of removing or blocking fake usernames on receiving complaints and arrangements for cooperation with law enforcement agencies if needed.

WhatsApp features have already been banned

Along with this, let us tell you that WhatsApp was preparing to introduce Username Feature with the aim of increasing the privacy of its users. But even before the rollout, the government sent a notice to Meta asking it not to launch it for now and also sought a reply within three days. In view of this, WhatsApp clarified that currently this feature is not being released and many security measures have been added to it.

Why did the government’s concern increase?

Regarding this matter, the government believes that if there is not adequate security in the username system, then it can be used in cyber crimes like online fraud, phishing, digital arrest and fraud by hiding the identity. The biggest concern in which is that a person can easily mislead people by adopting a name similar to that of a government department, bank, financial institution or any famous person. In such a situation, experts also believe that striking a balance between user privacy and cyber security is a big challenge. In such a situation, the next step of the government can set new guidelines not only for WhatsApp but also for other messaging platforms like Telegram and Signal.