- India has asked Telegram and Signal to explain safety measures behind username based messaging features.
- Officials believe anonymous usernames could increase fraud, impersonation, phishing, and digital arrest scams.
- WhatsApp has also been asked to halt its planned username rollout pending government review.
- Digital rights groups argue the notices threaten privacy and protected speech, especially on encrypted platforms.
India has widened its regulatory focus on digital communication platforms by asking Telegram and Signal to explain how their username based messaging features protect users from fraud and impersonation. The move signals a shift in the government’s approach, where attention is no longer limited to entire platforms but increasingly extends to specific product features that officials believe could create security risks.
According to a government source familiar with the matter, notices were issued to both messaging services on Thursday seeking detailed information about the safeguards built into features that allow users to communicate without sharing their phone numbers publicly. Authorities want to understand how these platforms prevent misuse while still offering privacy focused tools.
The development follows a series of actions by India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology aimed at strengthening oversight of online platforms. Telegram had already faced temporary restrictions in India last month, making the latest notices another chapter in the government’s ongoing engagement with major messaging services.
The ministry, Telegram, and Signal had not issued official responses immediately after the notices became public.
Username Features Under Government Spotlight
Messaging apps have increasingly introduced usernames as an alternative to sharing personal phone numbers. The feature is designed to improve privacy by allowing users to connect without exposing sensitive contact information.
However, Indian authorities believe the same feature could also make it easier for scammers to hide their identities while targeting victims. Officials are particularly concerned that anonymous usernames may contribute to phishing attempts, impersonation, financial fraud, and so called digital arrest scams that have become more common across the country.
The government wants Telegram and Signal to explain how their systems verify identities where necessary, detect abusive behavior, and respond to reports of misuse. The notices are intended to determine whether existing protections are sufficient or whether additional regulatory measures may be required.
The timing is significant because the government has already taken a similar position with another major messaging platform.
WhatsApp Also Faces Regulatory Pressure
Just one day before notices were sent to Telegram and Signal, India’s IT ministry reportedly instructed WhatsApp to pause the rollout of its planned username feature.
Officials asked the Meta owned messaging service to justify the feature within three days, warning that regulatory action could follow if concerns were not adequately addressed.
The government’s primary argument is that allowing users to communicate through usernames instead of visible phone numbers may reduce accountability and create new opportunities for cybercriminals. While privacy advocates argue that usernames protect personal information, regulators believe they may also make it more difficult to identify bad actors operating across messaging networks.
This reflects a broader debate taking place worldwide, where governments seek stronger oversight of digital platforms while technology companies continue introducing privacy enhancing features for users.
Digital Rights Groups Raise Concerns
The government’s latest actions have also attracted criticism from digital rights advocates.
The Internet Freedom Foundation argued that the notices should be withdrawn, particularly the one directed at Signal, which is widely used by journalists, activists, researchers, and privacy conscious individuals because of its strong end to end encryption.
The organization warned that increased scrutiny of privacy focused features could affect freedom of expression and secure communication. According to the group, the government’s approach lacks a clear legal foundation and risks expanding regulatory oversight without adequate safeguards.
The criticism highlights the continuing tension between national security priorities and digital privacy rights. Governments often argue that stronger oversight is necessary to combat cybercrime, while civil society organizations caution against measures that could weaken user privacy or discourage secure communication.
Part of a Larger Push to Regulate Online Platforms
The notices to Telegram and Signal are not isolated actions. They form part of a broader regulatory strategy that has seen India’s government take a firmer stance toward major technology companies over the past few years.
The administration has previously clashed with X over content moderation and compliance with takedown requests. Earlier this year, India also tightened its intermediary rules by significantly reducing the time available for platforms to remove government flagged content, requiring action within three hours instead of the earlier thirty six hour window.
These developments indicate that regulators are placing greater emphasis on platform accountability, faster compliance, and closer examination of product features that could influence user safety.
For messaging services, the challenge is becoming increasingly complex. Companies must balance user privacy, encrypted communication, and anonymity with growing demands from governments to prevent fraud and improve traceability where abuse occurs.
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