India's IT Ministry Questions Telegram, Signal on Username Feature After WhatsApp Notice
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has sent notices to messaging platforms Telegram and Signal, seeking explanations about their username feature and how they address risks of fraud and impersonation, according to a source familiar with the matter.
The development follows a similar notice sent to Meta-owned WhatsApp on Wednesday, where the government raised concerns that the username feature could facilitate online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams, and impersonation attacks.
Telegram and Signal already offer username functionality that allows users to connect without sharing phone numbers. The government has asked Telegram why it should be allowed to retain this feature, the source said.
The notices reflect the government's broader efforts to enhance digital safety and curb misuse of messaging platforms. Neither Telegram nor Signal has publicly commented on the notices as of now.
