The government will examine the user ID feature announced by WhatsApp over concerns it could increase instances of online fraud, sources told NDTV Wednesday afternoon. If needed a notice will be sent to Meta, the holding company, sources said.

Meta-owned WhatsApp said its new feature is “designed to protect the privacy of your phone number”, pointing out the current system allows any individual or business with the user’s phone number to contact him/her. This move, the company said, would allow its over three billion users worldwide to continue connecting but without sharing phone numbers.