New Delhi, July 1: The government is likely to issue a notice to WhatsApp over its upcoming username feature, which has raised concerns among regulators regarding user safety, privacy, and traceability.
Officials are examining the proposed feature to assess its potential impact on digital security frameworks and whether it could affect the identification of users on the platform. The review comes amid broader efforts to strengthen oversight of social media platforms operating in India.
The proposed username system is expected to allow users to interact without sharing mobile numbers, a change that has triggered debate over privacy protection versus accountability in digital communications.
Authorities are expected to seek clarification from WhatsApp on compliance with existing IT rules and safeguards to prevent misuse of the feature.
The government’s response will focus on ensuring that user convenience does not compromise cybersecurity, traceability, or regulatory compliance in India’s digital ecosystem.
