The Central government has expanded its regulatory scrutiny of messaging platforms by issuing notices to Telegram and Signal over their username-based messaging feature, amid concerns that the functionality could be exploited for fraud, phishing, and impersonation scams.
According to government sources, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has sought detailed information from both platforms regarding the safeguards they have implemented to prevent misuse of usernames, which enable users to communicate without revealing their mobile numbers.
The move comes just a day after the ministry directed Meta Platforms to suspend the rollout of a similar username feature for WhatsApp, signalling a broader review of messaging platforms offering anonymous user discovery mechanisms.
Government Examines Fraud and Impersonation Risks
Officials are understood to be evaluating whether username-based communication could make it easier for cybercriminals to impersonate legitimate users, conceal identities, and execute phishing attacks, financial fraud, and so-called digital arrest scams.
As part of the latest action, MeitY has reportedly asked Telegram to explain why the feature should continue to be available on its platform and to outline the mechanisms it uses to detect, prevent, and respond to misuse.
Signal has also been asked to provide details of its security controls and user protection measures related to the feature.
The ministry has not publicly disclosed a timeline for the companies to respond.
WhatsApp Rollout Put on Hold
Earlier this week, the government issued a notice to Meta over WhatsApp's planned username feature, expressing concerns that it could materially increase cybercrime risks by allowing users to interact without sharing verified phone numbers.
The Centre directed WhatsApp to pause the rollout until discussions with the government are completed and authorities are satisfied that sufficient safeguards are in place. It also sought an explanation from Meta on why action should not be initiated under the provisions of the Information Technology Act and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules.
Wider Focus on Digital Platform Accountability
The notices indicate that the government's concerns extend beyond any single platform and reflect a broader effort to assess how emerging communication features could affect cybersecurity and user safety.
Messaging platforms are increasingly introducing privacy-focused capabilities that allow users to connect without exposing personal contact information. While such features are designed to enhance privacy, regulators are examining whether they could also create opportunities for impersonation, anonymous fraud, and social engineering attacks if adequate verification and moderation mechanisms are not in place.
Industry Responds to Regulatory Developments
The government's action has already prompted responses from parts of the technology ecosystem. Homegrown messaging platform Arattai announced that it will disable its username-based account feature to align with the evolving regulatory framework.
The review comes at a time when India is strengthening oversight of digital platforms through enhanced compliance requirements, intermediary due diligence obligations, and measures aimed at improving user safety and cybersecurity.
With messaging applications playing a central role in personal and business communications, the government's latest actions underscore its increasing focus on balancing privacy-enhancing technologies with safeguards against cyber fraud, impersonation, and digital abuse.
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