New Delhi: The Centre is considering introducing uniform standards for messaging platforms operating in India following the controversy over WhatsApp's proposed username feature, according to multiple reports.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is reportedly exploring a common regulatory framework that would apply across all messaging platforms instead of adopting platform-specific measures.
The move comes after the government raised objections to WhatsApp's proposed username feature, which would allow users to communicate without sharing their mobile phone numbers.
According to the government, the feature could make it easier for fraudsters to impersonate users, facilitate phishing and so-called digital arrest scams, and make law enforcement investigations more difficult.
As part of its broader approach, the Centre is now examining the possibility of introducing common standards for all messaging platforms to ensure a uniform regulatory framework.
Reports said the government will hold consultations with major messaging platforms before taking a final decision on the proposed framework.
Earlier this month, messaging platform Telegram submitted its response to the government's notice on the username feature, following a similar reply from WhatsApp.
The proposed username feature allows users to communicate without sharing their mobile phone numbers, offering an additional layer of privacy. However, the Centre has expressed concerns that it could facilitate online fraud, phishing, impersonation and digital arrest scams.
WhatsApp had also responded to the government's notice after it was asked to explain the proposed feature.
Last week, the government issued a notice to WhatsApp, warning that the feature could potentially lead to an increase in online fraud, phishing, impersonation attacks and digital arrest scams.
It also directed the Meta-owned messaging platform not to roll out the username feature in India until consultations on the issue were completed to the government's satisfaction.
With IANS inputs