Amid WhatsApp username row, Govt plans to bring something common rules to take on social media frauds
Follow UsGovernment may bring common rules for messaging apps with usernames.
New rules may help reduce fake accounts and online scams.
WhatsApp and Telegram have replied, while Signal is yet to respond.
The username feature has created too much concern in the country. The government has also sent notices to the messaging platforms over the same. While WhatsApp and Telegram have responded to government queries, Signal is yet to submit its response, and a new report suggests that the Centre may introduce a common set of rules for messaging platforms that have, or plan to add, the username feature. The proposed rules are expected to help authorities control online scams and fraud on these platforms. The Centre may also ask companies to build a system that allows users to be traced when legally required during investigations. The proposed rules aim to improve user safety while supporting law enforcement. Here is everything known so far about the expected common rules for the username feature.
SurveyGovernment’s concern on the username feature
Officials believe that usernames could make it easier for fraudsters to hide their identities and contact users without revealing their phone numbers or by impersonating their loved ones. According to them, this may increase the risk of phishing attempts, fake profiles and online scams.
The government also shared their concerns with the messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal regarding the same, as they sent them notices seeking clarification on the safety measures taken by them. WhatsApp and Telegram have submitted their responses to the government, while Signal has not yet replied.
The authorities are reportedly studying the responses received before deciding the next steps. The Centre has also directed WhatsApp not to roll out its planned username feature in India until consultations on the issue are completed to the government’s satisfaction, and WhatsApp has assured the government it will not launch the feature until discussions conclude.
However, a recent report suggests that while the government is looking into the responses, it is also planning to introduce a common set of rules for all messaging platforms.
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Common rules on the username feature (Expected)
The Indian government is reportedly working on a common set of rules for all the apps that have, or are planning to integrate, the username feature. While there has been no official announcement yet, it is expected that they may bring in stronger checks to cut down on fake and duplicate accounts. Not only that but the authorities could also ask messaging apps to build better systems so people can report and remove fake profiles more easily.
The expected rules may also push for quicker cooperation of the messaging platforms with the government security agencies during cyber fraud cases and set common safety standards that all messaging apps must follow.
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On top of this, they could ask the tech firms to develop clearer and quicker ways to verify users when needed. Reports also suggest that the authorities are also planning to ask the platforms to introduce stronger protection against phishing and scams that use fake usernames. The plan may also make platforms more responsible for handling complaints about abuse and fake accounts properly.
