India Expands Scrutiny of Messaging Apps: Telegram and Signal Face Questions Over Username Features
The Indian government has widened its investigation into messaging platforms that allow users to communicate via usernames instead of phone numbers, issuing notices to Telegram and Signal just days after directing WhatsApp to justify its proposed username feature.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has raised concerns that such features could facilitate online fraud, phishing, and impersonation by enabling bad actors to contact users anonymously. According to sources quoted by the Press Trust of India, the notices to Telegram and Signal seek details on how the platforms address these risks.
Telegram has been specifically asked why it should be allowed to retain its username feature, which is already active. Signal, which also allows users to create usernames for contacting others without sharing phone numbers, has received similar scrutiny.
This move comes a day after the Centre issued a notice to Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, expressing concerns that the proposed username feature could materially increase cybercrime. The government directed WhatsApp to pause the rollout until consultations are completed to its satisfaction.
The government's primary worry is that anonymous usernames could make it harder to trace fraudsters, as they would not need a phone number to initiate contact. In its notice to WhatsApp, the Centre cited risks of digital arrest scams, phishing, and impersonation. Meta has been asked to explain why action should not be taken under the Information Technology Act and related rules.
India is WhatsApp's largest market, with over 500 million users. In response to the notice, a WhatsApp spokesperson told Reuters that the username feature is not yet live and would roll out slowly later this year. They added that users would still need a phone number to register, and senders would need to know a person's exact username to message them.
The regulatory action follows heightened scrutiny of Telegram, which was temporarily blocked in India until June 22 over its alleged failure to curb the circulation of leaked and fake NEET examination papers. Services were restored after the restriction expired.
The government's widening probe signals a tougher stance on digital platforms, especially those that enable anonymous communication. The outcome of these consultations could shape how messaging apps operate in India, particularly regarding user identification and fraud prevention.
