Meta team meets MeitY officials over whatsApp username feature; reply expected in 3 days: Sources

The Meta team met Meity officials today (July 3) following the notice summoning them on the issue of roll-out of the 'username' feature on WhatsApp in India, sources familiar with the development told Zee Business. Ministry officials sensitised them about the government's concern relating to the feature. As the timeline for furnishing the detailed explanation on the “usernames” feature is for three days, they will submit their final reply as per the schedule, one of the sources informed.

Speaking on the sidelines of a CII Conference, S Krishnan, secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) addressed issues related to AI regulations, VPNs, Mythos, WhatsApp, and e-rickshaws today.

Government's concerns over WhatsApp's new feature

The government's concerns come amid growing scrutiny of username-based messaging features on encrypted platforms, with officials examining whether such functionalities could make it easier for cybercriminals to conceal identities, impersonate users, or evade detection during online fraud and other cyber offences.

The government had sought an explanation from WhatsApp over its username feature, saying it could facilitate cybercrime, while also investigating the reported data leak allegations involving Tata Electronics, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), S. Krishnan said on Friday.

MeitY outlines digital policy priorities

AI regulations

- Discussions regarding a separate regulatory framework for AI have begun.
- The government believes the time is approaching to formulate specific laws and regulations for AI.
- Currently, existing laws are being applied to AI-related matters.
- There is a perceived need for dedicated AI laws and regulations.
- The ministry may draft AI regulations.
- No timeline has been set yet for the release of the draft.

E-rickshaw

Mobile applications that allegedly malfunctioned e-rickshaws and recently came to the government's notice have been removed from app stores, S Krishnan said on Friday, while stressing that app stores must exercise greater due diligence to prevent potentially harmful applications from reaching users.

"There are a couple of apps that came to our notice yesterday. Both of them have been taken down from the app stores," Krishnan said while responding to a question on apps allegedly linked to e-rickshaw-related fraud.

Mythos

In June, the US Commerce Department issued an export control directive that ordered Anthropic to restrict foreign nationals from using its newly launched AI models, Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5.

- Restrictions apply only to Fable 5.
- Mythos 5 is currently available only through Glasswing's partner companies in the US.
- The US government approval process for Mythos is ongoing