WhatsApp introduces green dot feature on profile photo to indicate online status

The Meta company team held a meeting with representatives of the Ministry of Information Technology on Friday after the Center issued an official notification regarding the proposed user names feature in WhatsApp. The company has been instructed to provide a final response within a three-day period set by the government.

Reasons for Government Concern

The meeting took place after the government requested clarifications from WhatsApp regarding the new feature that allows users to create unique names instead of using their phone numbers. The government expressed concerns that this feature could facilitate cybercriminals in impersonating private individuals, government bodies, or financial institutions, thereby increasing the risk of online fraud, phishing, and digital arrest schemes.

Company Requirements and Responses

Earlier this week, the Ministry of Information Technology (MeitY) sent a formal notification to Meta demanding an explanation of this feature and prohibited its launch until consultations with the government were completed. Secretary of Information Technology S Krishnanu stated that the government is concerned about the possibility of using usernames to commit cybercrimes through identity impersonation and ID substitution. He also emphasized that WhatsApp will not receive permission to launch until its response satisfies the authorities' concerns.

WhatsApp stated that the user names feature has not yet been activated and will be gradually introduced later this year with several protective measures. The company clarified that usernames will be optional and unavailable for searching by strangers. Furthermore, known usernames, including those of public figures, government bodies, celebrities, and verified Meta accounts, have been reserved to prevent impersonation.

Additional Security Measures

WhatsApp also reported plans to implement additional security measures, such as warnings when receiving messages from first-time users, an optional 'username key' for enhanced protection, and a system for detecting suspicious activity. The Center also sent similar notifications to Telegram and Signal requesting information about their username features and the protective measures they have implemented to prevent misuse.

WhatsApp recently launched a new Username feature. This capability allows users to communicate with each other without revealing their mobile phone number. The company asserts that this significantly enhances user privacy.

Government Concerns

However, the Indian government has shown caution regarding this feature. There is concern that if misused, this capability could lead to an increase in online fraud and the use of fake identities.

Purpose of the Inspection

According to government sources, the central government is preparing to conduct a thorough review of the privacy and security aspects of WhatsApp's new username feature. The government needs to determine whether this feature will become a new tool for cybercriminals.

Should serious shortcomings or security issues be found, Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, may receive a notification.

How the New Feature Works

The WhatsApp feature functions similarly to Telegram. Previously, a mobile phone number was required to start a conversation with a new person on WhatsApp. Now, a user can initiate a dialogue using only their username. The advantage of this approach is that the user's phone number will not be visible to the recipient, which, according to the company, improves privacy and eliminates the need to exchange numbers with strangers.

Fraud Risks

Furthermore, the government is concerned that if someone creates a username similar to another's, or contacts people while hiding their true identity, new methods of online deception may emerge. Numerous cases of fraud via fake profiles and usernames have already been recorded on the Telegram platform, prompting the government to exercise heightened vigilance regarding the new WhatsApp feature.

Public Reaction and Security Measures

Some users on social media have also expressed concern about this feature. They believe that increased privacy is good, but if it becomes easier to hide one's identity, fraudsters might exploit this. Those usernames that imitate the names of companies, celebrities, or other people are particularly vulnerable, as they can easily mislead the public.

WhatsApp itself has implemented several security measures. The company stated that every username will be unique, and some well-known names will be pre-protected against copying. Moreover, WhatsApp does not maintain a public directory of usernames; a username can only be used when the person is already known to the user.

A new feature called Side Chat is being implemented in WhatsApp, designed to keep messages in a secret and private mode. This feature works in conjunction with Meta AI. Last month, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg introduced Incognito Chat, which is a simple way to communicate with Meta AI, and Side Chat is an advanced version of this tool. Meta initially released this feature to a limited group of users, planning to expand access soon. Users will be able to seek help from Meta AI through Side Chats in special chats, ensuring that data will not leak. Although Incognito Chat is suitable for those concerned about the leakage of private conversations, it does not have the ability to access conversations taking place in WhatsApp. The Side Chat interface is appealing due to its dark design, resembling the Incognito Chat interface, and also includes web search capability. Side Chat itself operates on fully private processing, ensuring complete secrecy of messages and chats.