Highlights
- Telegram has also submitted its reply to the government regarding the username feature.
- Along with WhatsApp, the government had also summoned Telegram and Signal regarding the username feature.
- There is a possibility of increase in incidents of cyber fraud due to the username feature.
Instant messaging platform Telegram has also submitted its reply to the government regarding the controversial username feature. The government has directed WhatsApp not to roll out the username feature at present. MeitY had recently summoned WhatsApp as well as Telegram regarding the username feature. The government has expressed fear of increase in digital arrests and other cyber frauds through this feature.
Quoting PTI sources, it has been reported that Telegram has also submitted its reply to MeitY regarding the username feature. The government had sought clarification from both WhatsApp and Telegram regarding the misuse of this feature. The government fears that this feature can be used for impersonation, phishing, fraud and other types of cyber fraud. Because of this feature criminals can hide their mobile number.
Government will investigate
At present, the government will investigate the response submitted by WhatsApp and Telegram regarding this feature. Only after this will there be any response from the government regarding this controversial feature. This username feature allows users to contact each other on instant messaging platforms without revealing contact numbers.
The government has asked WhatsApp not to roll out this feature in India at present. Currently, consultation is being done regarding this, only after which the green signal to launch it can be given. Many cyber security experts have claimed that attacks like online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scam and impersonation scam can be carried out through this feature.
Apart from Telegram, notice to Signal also
Apart from WhatsApp and Telegram, the government had also issued a notice to Signal regarding the username feature. WhatsApp has more than 50 crore users in India. At the same time, other platforms are also used by crores of Indian users. In such a situation, the username feature can be misused. People can commit many types of frauds including digital arrest by hiding their identity. However, WhatsApp says that this feature has been brought keeping in mind the privacy of the user.
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