Given that the timeline for furnishing a detailed explanation on the ‘usernames’ feature is three days, Meta will submit its final reply as per the schedule, they added.
“Meta team met Meity officials today following the notice summoning them on the issue of rollout of the ‘usernames’ feature on WhatsApp in India. Ministry officials sensitised them about the government’s concern relating to the feature,” according to sources.
On Wednesday, the Center issued a notice to Meta questioning the planned username feature on WhatsApp, citing concerns that it could materially increase online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams, and impersonation attacks.
It directed the platform to pause the feature until consultations on the issue are completed “to the satisfaction of the Government”.
The Center had also asked Meta to explain why action shouldn’t be initiated under the IT Act and rules over WhatsApp’s new feature that may increase cybercrimes.
The government also reminded Meta that WhatsApp, as a significant social media intermediary, is bound by due diligence obligations under the IT Act and rules.
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