After WhatsApp, govt sends notice to Telegram, Signal over username features

The government has sought explanations from Telegram and Signal on how they are addressing risks related to fraud, impersonation and other forms of online abuse associated with usernames.

In Short

• Meta told to pause WhatsApp username feature in India, explain safeguards
• Govt fears usernames could fuel impersonation, phishing and 'digital arrest' scams
• Government seeks details on anti-fraud measures from Telegram, Signal

The Centre has expanded its scrutiny of messaging platforms' username features, sending notices to Telegram and Signal after raising similar concerns with WhatsApp, as per a report by news agency PTI.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has sought explanations from Telegram and Signal on how they are addressing risks related to fraud, impersonation and other forms of online abuse associated with usernames, the report mentioned. The government has also reportedly asked Telegram why it should be allowed to continue offering the feature.

GOVT EXPANDS REVIEW BEYOND WHATSAPP

The latest move comes a day after the government ordered Meta not to roll out WhatsApp usernames in India until consultations on the feature's privacy and security implications are completed. In a notice sent to Meta's Chief Compliance Officer, officials sought a detailed response within three days and questioned whether the feature could increase cybercrime risks.

The ministry has now extended the review to Telegram and Signal, both of which already allow users to communicate through usernames rather than phone numbers.

WHY IS GOVT CONCERNED?

The government's concerns centre on the possibility that usernames could make it easier for scammers to impersonate celebrities, public figures, government officials or trusted individuals. Officials fear that hiding phone numbers behind usernames may create new opportunities for phishing, online fraud and so-called "digital arrest" scams, which have seen a sharp rise in recent years.

In its notice to WhatsApp, the government warned that the feature could potentially make it easier for bad actors to contact and deceive users. Meta was also asked to explain why action should not be initiated under provisions of the Information Technology Act and related rules if the feature is found to increase cybercrime risks.

The notice further reminded Meta that WhatsApp, as a significant social media intermediary, is required to comply with due diligence obligations under Indian IT laws.

WHAT ARE WHATSAPP USERNAMES?

WhatsApp recently opened reservations for usernames through its settings page, though the feature has not yet been launched. Once rolled out, users will be able to connect with others using a username instead of sharing their phone number — a system already used by Telegram and several social media platforms.

The feature has triggered a debate online. Critics argue that usernames could make impersonation easier, while supporters say they would enhance privacy by reducing the need to share personal phone numbers.

WHATSAPP CITES SAFEGUARDS

Responding on Wednesday, WhatsApp defended the feature, saying it includes safeguards designed to protect users from scams and impersonation attempts.

The company has said it will reserve usernames linked to public figures, celebrities, government entities and Meta-verified accounts so that only legitimate owners can claim them. It has also proposed warning users about the country of origin when receiving messages from unknown contacts.

WhatsApp has further announced an optional "Username Key" feature, under which users can add a unique four-digit code to their username, allowing only people with both the username and code to contact them. The company has also said there will be no searchable username directory.

India remains WhatsApp's largest market, with more than 500 million users, giving it a substantially larger user base in the country than Telegram.

EXPERTS DIVIDED OVER RISKS

The proposed feature has drawn mixed reactions from cybersecurity experts and digital rights advocates. While some experts have argued that usernames could create new avenues for impersonation and scams, others contend that WhatsApp's safeguards may limit misuse. Some cybersecurity specialists have also suggested that reducing reliance on phone numbers could help curb SIM-swap fraud, where criminals gain control of a victim's mobile number to access bank accounts and digital services.

Meanwhile, the Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) has questioned the legal basis of the government's directive, arguing that existing laws do not give authorities the power to approve or block product features before they are launched. The digital rights group said concerns around fraud should be addressed through enforcement against offenders rather than restrictions on technology features themselves.

TELEGRAM UNDER REGULATORY SPOTLIGHT

Telegram, meanwhile, has faced regulatory scrutiny in recent months over concerns related to fraud, impersonation and the circulation of sensitive content.

The government had temporarily blocked Telegram and some of its associated web services until June 22 over allegations that the platform had failed to curb the spread of leaked and fake NEET examination papers, misleading information and other fraudulent content linked to the medical entrance exam process. Services were restored after the week-long ban expired.

- Ends