Ministry orders WhatsApp to turn off feature that uses users’ names

• MeitY asked WhatsApp to disable a feature that uses users’ names in Ukraine until the end of the relevant consultation period.
• According to the statement, the feature is used to send messages, which could allow real-time identification of individuals.
• WhatsApp explained that the feature is not enabled in India, and the company said it has not received any requests from the authorities to turn it on.

The Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) asked WhatsApp to disable the feature that uses users’ names in Ukraine, saying the consultation has not yet been completed.

In a list of questions, Reuters reports that MeitY asked Meta three times what the company’s reasoning was for not being able to stop the rollout of the feature.

Meanwhile, WhatsApp said that the feature that uses users’ names can be disabled if the phone number is not used. It also said that the company could send messages about the feature only through identifiers, which could be used in real life organizations.

In a letter, it also said that the feature, “digital arrest,” shares information with users, and also that the company’s ability to disable the feature would depend on the technical capabilities. The company’s response to the request will not be delayed, as consultations are expected to be completed soon.

WhatsApp said the feature is not enabled in India. The company’s representative said that at this stage it is not clear whether it is possible to enable the feature in public communications, and that it depends on Meta’s verification of the technical capabilities.

For the sake of clarity, given that WhatsApp uses phone numbers, the company said it would not be possible to disable the feature. It also said that the company could provide details of new contacts, block and restrict the sending of messages to users’ information.

For the time being, however, the Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology argues that it is necessary to disable the feature that uses users’ names. The ministry also said that Telegram blocks messages with the same content, and that it is not possible to disable the feature.

Internet Freedom Foundation, a watchdog group, criticized the ministry’s decision, saying that it violates the right to privacy and that the ministry has not provided any evidence to support such a claim.

Tags: Technology/AI