WhatsApp recently introduced a username reservation feature, allowing users to connect and chat using a user ID instead of a mobile number. After the launch of this reservation system, it has come to light that the Central Government may investigate this feature. In view of the possibility of increase in online fraud, the government is investigating its privacy and security related aspects. This feature has sparked controversy due to fraud risks, so the government is investigating every aspect of it.
If any errors are found during review, a notice may be sent to Meta. The government will proceed in this matter as per existing Indian laws. In view of the rapid increase in incidents of cyber fraud, the government wants to evaluate this new feature keeping in mind the threat of fraud.
What aspects of the new feature is the government concerned about?
You can start a chat with anyone without sharing your phone number. Although it has been introduced to improve user privacy, there is a significant risk of misuse. Users can reserve a unique username that can be changed multiple times; As a result, if someone changes their user ID, it will be impossible to trace them.
Understanding the WhatsApp User ID feature
For account creation and verification, the same mobile number will be required as before. The username will be used only for contacts and chatting. Although this feature is new for WhatsApp, a similar feature is already available on Telegram (a competing app). With the introduction of this feature on WhatsApp, cyber scams may increase. Additionally, it may also pose a threat to national security, as users can change their usernames at will.
