New Delhi: The Centre is reviewing responses submitted by WhatsApp, Telegram and Zoho Bharat Eye regarding their username based messaging features, with a notification on the issue likely within the next 20 days.
According to sources in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the companies responded to government notices seeking explanations over features that allow users to communicate without sharing their mobile numbers. A legal team is now examining the replies to determine whether any existing laws have been violated and whether regulatory action or sanctions are warranted.
MeitY Secretary S Krishnan confirmed that WhatsApp’s response was received last week and is currently under review. He said the government would decide on the next course of action after completing its legal examination of the submissions.
The government has made it clear that any new regulatory framework introduced on the matter will apply equally to all messaging platforms, ensuring a uniform approach across the digital ecosystem.
The notices were issued after authorities raised concerns that username based messaging could be exploited for impersonation, phishing, identity theft and so called “digital arrest” scams, in which fraudsters pose as law enforcement or government officials to extort money from victims.
Earlier, WhatsApp maintained that its platform is primarily designed to enable private communication between friends and family. However, the government is examining whether the feature could create new security risks if left unregulated.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has indicated that a notification on the issue is expected within the next few weeks. Officials said the ongoing exercise is focused on assessing the legal implications of such features rather than introducing a policy based review alone.
The development is part of the Centre’s broader efforts to strengthen online safety, combat cyber fraud and ensure that digital communication platforms operate under consistent regulatory standards while protecting users from emerging forms of online misuse.
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