Government Weighs Standard Rules For Messaging Apps Following WhatsApp Username Row

The Central Government is considering introducing uniform regulatory guidelines for all messaging platforms following concerns over WhatsApp's proposed "username" feature, according to sources. The move comes after Meta-owned WhatsApp submitted a detailed response to a government notice questioning the feature's potential impact on user safety. Officials are currently examining the company's submission, while messaging platform Signal has also provided a detailed report that is under review by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

The government had issued a notice to WhatsApp last week, expressing concerns that allowing users to communicate without sharing their phone numbers could increase the risk of cybercrimes such as online fraud, phishing, impersonation, and so-called digital arrest scams. Authorities directed the company not to introduce the feature in India until consultations with the government were completed and officials were satisfied that adequate safeguards were in place.

According to sources, WhatsApp subsequently sought additional time to respond and assured the government that the username feature would not be rolled out in India before the consultation process concluded. The company's detailed reply has now been submitted to MeitY for examination. While the government has not announced its next course of action, officials are reviewing the responses received from both WhatsApp and Signal before taking a final decision on any regulatory framework.

Also Read: MeitY Seeks Clarification As WhatsApp, Telegram Address Username Feature Issues

The issue gained further attention after representatives from Meta met senior IT ministry officials following the government's notice. The Centre reportedly asked the company to explain why action should not be considered under the Information Technology Act and the applicable intermediary rules. The notice also reminded WhatsApp of its due diligence obligations as a significant social media intermediary operating in India, particularly with regard to user safety and regulatory compliance.

Earlier, a WhatsApp spokesperson said the username functionality is still under development and has not yet been launched. The company stated that the feature will be introduced gradually later this year with several built-in safeguards, including reserving usernames of prominent individuals for verified owners and preventing the creation of deceptive lookalike usernames. The government's review could influence not only WhatsApp's rollout plans but also future regulatory standards governing messaging platforms operating in India.

Also Read: Government Extends WhatsApp Deadline Until July 9 To Respond On Username Feature Concerns