India issues notices to Telegram, Signal over anonymity features
The Indian government has escalated its regulatory oversight of online messaging platforms, issuing notices to Telegram and Signal seeking explanations about features that allow users to conceal their phone numbers. This follows a similar notice sent to WhatsApp a day earlier regarding its new username feature.
According to a Reuters report dated July 2, the authorities asked Telegram and Signal to detail their safeguards against impersonation and misuse arising from anonymous interactions. The notices highlight growing scrutiny of digital communication tools that enable privacy but also pose challenges for law enforcement and user protection.
In June, the government had temporarily blocked Telegram in India, marking a significant step in its regulatory approach. The latest actions indicate a broader effort to vet product features across multiple platforms, reflecting concerns over anonymity being exploited for illicit activities.
The notices are part of India's evolving framework for online accountability, emphasizing the need for platforms to balance user privacy with security measures. Both Telegram and Signal have not yet publicly responded, but they are expected to provide details on how they prevent abuse of anonymous features.
