After WhatsApp, Govt Sends Notices to Telegram, Signal Over Username Features
Expanding its regulatory crackdown on digital identity features, the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued formal notices to encrypted messaging platforms Telegram and Signal, sources close to the development told PTI on Thursday.
Expanding its regulatory crackdown on digital identity features, the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued formal notices to encrypted messaging platforms Telegram and Signal, sources close to the development told PTI on Thursday. The move follows a directive sent to Meta-owned WhatsApp earlier this week, instructing the platform to immediately pause the rollout of its upcoming "usernames" feature due to escalating cyber fraud and identity theft concerns.
IT Ministry Flags Broad Impersonation Risks Across Platforms
According to official sources, the IT Ministry’s communication to Telegram and Signal seeks detailed responses on how their existing username architectures prevent user misrepresentation. The government's primary concern centers on the potential for bad actors to claim handles that closely mimic those of government bodies, financial institutions, and prominent public figures. WhatsApp Username Feature: Meta Clarifies Upcoming Feature Amid Privacy and Safety Concerns.
While WhatsApp recently announced its username feature to allow users to connect without disclosing phone numbers, Telegram and Signal have long permitted username-based communication. However, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recently raised red flags, prompting MeitY to conduct an across-the-board risk assessment of how these features impact traceabilty and law enforcement.
Rising Wave of 'Digital Arrest' and Phishing Scams Prodded Action
The regulatory push comes amid a sharp spike in sophisticated cybercrimes across India, notably "digital arrest" scams and targeted phishing campaigns. Government officials argue that concealing active, KYC-verified phone numbers behind customizable usernames makes it significantly harder for victims to verify who they are talking to and complicates tracking for law enforcement.
In its initial three-day notice to WhatsApp, the IT Ministry specifically warned that look-alike variations of usernames could become a major vector for financial fraud. By expanding the inquiry to Telegram and Signal, the government aims to establish a uniform standard for identity verification across all major over-the-top (OTT) messaging platforms operating in the country. WhatsApp Username Feature: Can It Be Misused for Impersonation and Scams? Meta Responds.
Govt Issues Notices to Telegram, Signal Over Identity, Username Concerns
Platforms Defend Privacy Safeguards Amid Compliance Pressure
In response to the government's scrutiny, a WhatsApp spokesperson stated that the platform has pre-emptively blocked look-alike derivatives and reserved high-profile names for verified entities. The company also introduced an optional "username key" to restrict unauthorized contact.
Telegram and Signal have yet to issue official statements regarding the latest notices. However, tech platforms have historically defended username protocols as essential privacy tools that shield users from unwanted tracking and harassment. The IT Ministry has indicated that further rollout of these features on WhatsApp will remain blocked until data-safety consultations are concluded to the satisfaction of the government, signaling tighter future oversight for all peer-to-peer messaging networks in India.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 02, 2026 09:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).