Meta-owned WhatsApp's response to the government notice on the 'username' feature is due on Thursday, IT Secretary S Krishnan said.
Last Wednesday, the Centre issued a notice to Meta questioning the proposed username feature on WhatsApp, flagging concerns that it could materially increase online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams, and impersonation attacks.
The username feature essentially allows people on the messaging platform to communicate without sharing their phone numbers.
The government had also directed the platform not to launch the feature until consultations on the issue are completed "to the satisfaction of the Government".
Subsequently, WhatsApp had sought some more time to submit its response on the 'username' feature and had assured the government that it would not roll it out in India until discussions are complete.
