WhatsApp, owned by META, has more time to react to the 'Username' feature. The 'Username' feature allows for the occurrence of chat messages without disclosing phone numbers. Additionally, WhatsApp has assured the government that the new feature will not be rolled out in India till the discussion on this issue is completed.

WhatsApp is given three days more to respond to the notice from the government regarding the 'Username' feature since it sought additional time to file its response. Originally, the deadline to respond was Friday.

Last Wednesday, the government issued a notice to META, enquiring about the roll-out of the 'Username' feature in WhatsApp. There is concern from the government regarding an increase in online scams as a result of this move. The kind of scams expected include fraud, phishing, fake arrest scam, and fake identities.

The government requested WhatsApp to withhold the feature pending discussions “to the government's satisfaction." Following the notice, Meta's team had a discussion with IT ministry officials last Friday.

In the notice, the central government asked Meta why action should not be taken under the IT Act and rules regarding WhatsApp's new feature, which could lead to an increase in cybercrime.

The government also reminded Meta that, as a significant internet media intermediary, WhatsApp is bound by the obligations of taking appropriate precautions under the IT Act and rules.

WhatsApp did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment regarding the latest developments. However, a WhatsApp spokesperson said last week that the username feature has not yet been rolled out and will be rolled out gradually later this year.

WhatsApp, owned by META, has more time to react to the 'Username' feature. The 'Username' feature allows for the occurrence of chat messages without disclosing phone numbers. Additionally, WhatsApp has assured the government that the new feature will not be rolled out in India till the discussion on this issue is completed.

WhatsApp is given three days more to respond to the notice from the government regarding the 'Username' feature since it sought additional time to file its response. Originally, the deadline to respond was Friday.

Last Wednesday, the government issued a notice to META, enquiring about the roll-out of the 'Username' feature in WhatsApp. There is concern from the government regarding an increase in online scams as a result of this move. The kind of scams expected include fraud, phishing, fake arrest scam, and fake identities.

The government requested WhatsApp to withhold the feature pending discussions “to the government's satisfaction." Following the notice, Meta's team had a discussion with IT ministry officials last Friday.

In the notice, the central government asked Meta why action should not be taken under the IT Act and rules regarding WhatsApp's new feature, which could lead to an increase in cybercrime.

The government also reminded Meta that, as a significant internet media intermediary, WhatsApp is bound by the obligations of taking appropriate precautions under the IT Act and rules.

WhatsApp did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment regarding the latest developments. However, a WhatsApp spokesperson said last week that the username feature has not yet been rolled out and will be rolled out gradually later this year.