- The government is reviewing the new username feature of WhatsApp.
- This is for privacy, but its misuse has raised concerns of fraud.
- Now it will be possible to chat through username instead of mobile number.
- In case of misuse, Meta will be held responsible and will receive a notice.
WhatsApp Username Feature: The new username feature on messaging platform WhatsApp has come under scrutiny. This rule brought for user privacy is also raising many other concerns like fraud, mistaken identity and scams. In view of this, the government has decided to review the username feature. If any discrepancy is found in it, notice can also be given to Meta. According to media reports, government officials said that if this new feature is used for fraud, then WhatsApp will be held responsible for it. The platform will have to ensure that it is not used for fraud and scam etc. Let us know what this feature is and what are the concerns associated with it.
What is the new username feature of WhatsApp?
WhatsApp has brought this new rule for the privacy of users. In this, the user will not need a mobile number to contact anyone on WhatsApp. Like Telegram, now people can be contacted on WhatsApp also through username. Now if the sender and receiver have enabled the username feature, then the first time they send a message, they will not see each other’s mobile number. At present this feature has not been rolled out, but the process of reserving the username has started.
“Action can be taken like Telegram”
According to the ET report, officials say that similar action can be taken against misuse of username, edited messages, fake groups and copying of someone’s identity, as was done on Telegram during the NEET exam. Platforms have to ensure that their architecture is not used by mischievous elements. Let us tell you that after being named in the paper leak incidents, the government had imposed a temporary ban on Telegram.
Are you worried about the new feature?
Currently, if an unknown person contacts you on WhatsApp, his mobile number is visible, which makes it easy to track him, but after the username feature is introduced, the mobile number will not be visible. This will give scammers and fraudsters an opportunity to misrepresent or hide their identity. Apart from this, there is also a possibility of increasing cases of fraud in the name of a big person with the help of similar username.
What did WhatsApp say about the feature?
Regarding this feature, WhatsApp has said that it has been brought to increase user privacy. It has several security measures in place to prevent misuse, including detecting duplicate identities, limits on access to new contacts, protection against attempts to guess usernames, and reservation of names of public figures.
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