WhatsApp, Telegram respond to MeitY notices over username feature

India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has received responses from messaging platforms WhatsApp and Telegram concerning their new username features. The ministry had previously issued notices on July 1 and July 3, expressing worries that username-based messaging could heighten the risks of impersonation, identity theft, phishing, and digital fraud. Platforms were asked to detail their safeguards against these potential issues.

WhatsApp, owned by Meta, submitted its response on Thursday, the deadline day. While details were not disclosed, a Meta spokesperson outlined additional safeguards. The company stated that accounts or usernames found to be involved in identity impersonation or scams will be banned or revoked. Existing usernames from Facebook and Instagram accounts will be reserved for their owners during a specific period. Additionally, usernames belonging to public figures, government entities, celebrities, and verified Meta accounts, along with similar variations, will be exclusively available to their legitimate owners.

Telegram also submitted its response on Thursday. Signal, however, did not respond to inquiries from the Hindustan Times. The ministry had granted WhatsApp a four-day extension to provide its response after an initial meeting on July 2.

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We’ll ban accounts or revoke usernames when we find evidence of identity impersonation or scam.