Government Sends Notices to Telegram and Signal Over Username Feature Review

Why Has the Government Expanded Its Review Beyond WhatsApp?

The Indian government has widened its scrutiny of username based messaging features by issuing notices to Telegram and Signal, just days after asking WhatsApp to pause the rollout of its usernames feature in India. The move signals that the Centre is examining similar privacy-focused features across major messaging platforms rather than targeting a single company.

According to reports, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has sought detailed explanations from Telegram and Signal regarding the safeguards they have implemented to prevent misuse of usernames for impersonation, phishing, online fraud, and so-called “digital arrest” scams. The review reflects the government’s increasing focus on balancing user privacy with digital security.

Why Is the Government Concerned About Username-Based Messaging?

Usernames are designed to allow people to connect without sharing their phone numbers, improving privacy and reducing exposure of personal contact information. However, the government believes the feature could also make it easier for cybercriminals to hide their identities while impersonating government officials, businesses, public figures, or trusted organisations.

Such impersonation could increase the risk of phishing attacks, financial fraud, and identity based cybercrime. Authorities are therefore evaluating whether existing platform safeguards are sufficient to prevent misuse before allowing wider adoption of username-based communication features.

The review comes amid rising concerns over online scams that increasingly exploit trusted digital communication channels.

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What Action Has the Government Taken So Far?

Earlier this week, the Centre asked Meta to temporarily pause the rollout of WhatsApp’s usernames feature and submit details of the security measures built into the product within three days. The government also indicated that if the feature lacks adequate safeguards, it may consider legal or regulatory action before permitting its launch in India.

The latest notices sent to Telegram and Signal suggest that regulators are adopting a broader industry-wide approach rather than focusing solely on WhatsApp. At present, the notices are part of a regulatory review process and do not amount to a ban on the feature.

The government is expected to assess responses from all platforms before deciding whether additional compliance measures are required.

How Are Telegram and Signal Different from WhatsApp?

Unlike WhatsApp, Telegram has supported username based messaging for several years, allowing users to communicate without revealing their phone numbers. Signal also offers a similar username feature designed to enhance user privacy.

By extending its review to all three platforms, the government aims to ensure that similar technologies are subject to consistent regulatory standards regardless of when they were introduced.

The outcome could establish a common framework for privacy-focused messaging features across India’s digital ecosystem.

What Could This Mean for Messaging Platforms in India?

The government’s review highlights the growing regulatory focus on digital trust, cybersecurity, and platform accountability. As messaging applications introduce new privacy features, regulators are increasingly evaluating whether they provide adequate protection against misuse alongside enhanced user privacy.

The discussions may result in additional compliance requirements related to identity verification, fraud prevention, and platform safety. For technology companies operating in India, the development underscores the importance of designing products that balance innovation, user privacy, and regulatory expectations in one of the world’s largest digital markets.