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After WhatsApp notice, Sridhar Vembu says Arattai will remove username-based accounts
Zoho co-founder Sridhar Vembu has announced that Arattai will disable its username-based accounts following the Centre’s scrutiny of messaging platforms over the feature. The move comes after the government sought explanations from WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal over potential privacy, security and cybercrime risks linked to usernames.
While WhatsApp says it has safeguards against misuse, Indian authorities are reviewing the feature before allowing a wider rollout.
New Delhi:Zoho co-founder Sridhar Vembu said that the company’s messaging app Arattai will end its username accounts following a request for clarification from the centre regarding the feature from messaging platforms. The decision follows a request made by the government to WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal to explain the implications of privacy and security to their users on the use of usernames.
In a post on X, Vembu said Arattai would remove the feature to comply with the evolving regulatory environment. The app was launched in 2021 and promoted as an Indian alternative to WhatsApp; it currently enables users to connect via usernames, rather than phone numbers.
Arattai responds to regulatory concerns
According to Vembu, the feature will be deactivated to adhere to the regulatory change, which was “username-based accounts”.
The announcement comes after the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) sent a notice to Facebook-owned WhatsApp with regard to their plans to launch users’ names. The ministry also reportedly asked for clarifications from Telegram and Signal, which already have username-based messaging.
Why the government is concerned
Usernames provide an additional level of privacy as people connect without disclosing their mobile numbers. However, officials are worried that fake usernames could be used to impersonate government authorities, public figures or trusted organisations and be used in scams.
WhatsApp has stated it has created measures to minimise those risks. The company says that usernames linked to well-known personalities and organisations will be reserved to prevent impersonation. The site also will feature an optional four-digit username PIN and won’t have a list of users for search purposes to prevent spam.
The government has reportedly asked Meta’s chief compliance officer to explain the feature and its safeguards within three days. At the time of writing, Meta has not publicly responded, while Signal and Telegram have also been asked to clarify their existing username systems.
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