NEW DELHI: A Meta team met IT Ministry officials on Friday after the Center issued an advisory on WhatsApp’s proposed username feature, PTI reported citing sources.The company must present its final response within the three-day period set by the government.“The meta team met Meity officials today after the notice summoning them on the issue of launching ‘usernames’ feature on WhatsApp in India. The ministry officials sensitized them about the government’s concern regarding the feature,” according to sources.The meeting comes after the Center asked WhatsApp for an explanation on the new feature, which allows users to create usernames instead of sharing their phone numbers.The government has expressed concern that the feature could make it easier for cybercriminals to impersonate individuals, government agencies and financial institutions, increasing the risk of online fraud, phishing and digital arrest scams.Earlier this week, MeitY issued a formal notice to Meta asking the company to explain the feature and ordering it not to implement it until consultations with the government were completed.IT Secretary S Krishnan had said the government was concerned that usernames could facilitate cybercrime by enabling spoofing and spoofing. It also indicated that WhatsApp would not be allowed to proceed with the launch unless its response satisfactorily addressed the government’s concerns.WhatsApp has maintained that the username feature is not yet available and will be phased in later this year with several safeguards.The company said usernames will be optional and strangers will not be able to search for them. It added that prominent usernames, including those of public figures, government entities, celebrities and verified Meta accounts, have been reserved to prevent impersonations.WhatsApp also said it plans to introduce additional security measures, including warnings for new messages, an optional “username key” for added protection and systems to detect suspicious activity.The Center also sent similar notices to Telegram and Signal, requesting details about the characteristics of their usernames and the safeguards they have in place to prevent misuse.