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The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has widened its scrutiny of username-based messaging features by reaching out to Telegram and Signaldays after issuing a notice to WhatsApp over its proposed username rollout, according to government sources.

Key Takeaways

• The IT Ministry has reportedly written to Telegram and Signal over their username features.
• The move follows a recent notice issued to WhatsApp regarding its proposed username rollout.
• Authorities fear usernames could increase impersonation, phishing and online fraud risks.
• The government is reviewing compliance under India’s IT Act and intermediary rules.
• Officials are seeking stronger verification and anti-impersonation safeguards before wider implementation.

The latest move signals that the government’s concerns extend beyond a single platform and reflect a broader regulatory review of messaging applications introducing username-based communication in India.

According to PTI, the IT Ministry has sought detailed information from Telegram and Signal regarding their username systems, security architecture and safeguards designed to prevent misuse. Officials are examining whether such features could increase the risk of cyber fraud, phishing attacks, impersonation, identity spoofing and financial scams.

The development follows the Centre’s notice to WhatsApp directing the Meta-owned platform to explain its proposed username feature and refrain from rolling it out until the government’s concerns are satisfactorily addressed. The ministry had warned that usernames resembling those of individuals, government departments, banks or public institutions could potentially be exploited by cybercriminals to deceive users.

Officials are particularly focused on ensuring that messaging platforms implement robust verification mechanisms, anti-impersonation safeguards, effective reporting systems and rapid grievance redressal before expanding username-based services.

Government sources said the review is part of a larger effort to strengthen digital safety as online frauds continue to rise across India. Authorities believe that while usernames can enhance user privacy by reducing dependence on mobile numbers, inadequate safeguards could create new opportunities for identity-based scams.

The ministry is assessing whether existing features on different messaging platforms comply with the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

Neither Telegram nor Signal has publicly commented on the government’s latest communication. Similarly, WhatsApp has yet to issue a detailed public response following the notice seeking clarification on its proposed rollout.

The government’s latest intervention highlights its growing emphasis on balancing innovation with user protection as digital communication platforms introduce new privacy-focused features. Cybersecurity experts have welcomed greater scrutiny, noting that stronger identity verification and anti-fraud measures will be critical as messaging applications continue evolving.