Govt to assess potential risks of WhatsApp username feature: Report
It is feared that the feature may allow people to adopt usernames resembling those of bonafide agencies and other entities, potentially enabling fraud
The government is reportedly looking into WhatsApp’s planned username feature amid concerns that it could be misused for impersonation and fraud.
It will reportedly assess the potential risks, as the Meta-owned platform’s latest announcement has raised safety concerns.
It is feared that the feature may allow people to adopt usernames resembling those of bonafide agencies and other entities, potentially enabling impersonation and fraud, posing a threat to public safety and society.
Also read: Is WhatsApp’s new username feature about privacy or monetisation? | AI With Sanket
The government will not compromise on national security or public safety, news agency PTI quoted an unnamed source as saying.
Reservation of usernames on
Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp announced the introduction of usernames, a feature that will allow users to communicate without sharing their phone numbers.
The company has opened early reservations for usernames, which will be officially rolled out later this year. “Starting this week, you can reserve a username to use later this year when we launch this feature,” WhatsApp said in a blog post.
Also read: WhatsApp’s username feature: How is it different from Telegram and Signal?
According to the messaging platform, the move is aimed at enhancing user privacy, particularly in group chats or when connecting with new acquaintances, by eliminating the need to exchange phone numbers.
(With agency inputs)