The Centre has issued a notice to Meta over WhatsApp’s proposed username feature, seeking a detailed explanation in the next three days.
The government has directed Meta, which owns WhatsApp, not to roll out the “usernames” feature until consultation on the matter is over.
Earlier in the day, government sources hinted that authorities were reportedly exploring legal options available to potentially block the feature if required.
The move comes amid concerns that the feature could make impersonation easier if adequate safeguards are not in place, the sources said.
Meta-owned WhatsApp recently proposed a username reservation feature that is currently under development and being tested. The feature is not yet available to users globally.
Once rolled out, the feature is expected to allow users to reserve unique usernames for their accounts, enabling people to connect by searching for and sharing usernames instead of phone numbers.
WhatsApp has said the feature is aimed at providing users with an additional layer of privacy and convenience.
However, government sources said the feature will be examined from a legal and user safety perspective before it can be rolled out widely.
The username reservation system is learnt to be in the testing phase, and WhatsApp has not announced a timeline for its global rollout.
(With inputs from agencies)