The Central Government has widened its scrutiny of username-based messaging features by issuing notices to messaging platforms Telegram and Signal, a day after directing WhatsApp to halt the rollout of its proposed username feature in India.
According to media reports, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has asked both platforms to explain how their username features work and what safeguards are in place to prevent misuse, including online fraud, phishing, impersonation and “digital arrest” scams. Telegram, which already offers usernames, has reportedly been asked why the feature should continue to be allowed, while Signal has been asked to detail its risk mitigation measures.
The government’s concern is that usernames allow users to connect without sharing their phone numbers, potentially making it easier for bad actors to impersonate individuals, financial institutions or government agencies. Officials fear that greater anonymity could complicate user identification and increase cyber fraud risks.
Also read: Govt Asks WhatsApp To Put Username Feature On Hold; Platform Says Rollout Is Yet To Begin
The latest notices follow MeitY’s July 1 directive to WhatsApp, asking the platform to pause the rollout of its username feature until consultations with the government are completed and to provide a detailed explanation within three days. WhatsApp has maintained that the feature includes safeguards and is still being rolled out in phases.
The move signals a broader tightening of regulatory oversight over anonymity and traceability features on digital communication platforms in India, with the government increasingly focusing on balancing privacy features with concerns around online safety and accountability.
