After WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal may get govt notice over username feature
Follow UsGovernment may question Telegram and Signal over the username feature.
Officials are checking user safety and fraud prevention measures.
WhatsApp says the feature has security protections and is not live yet.
The WhatsApp username feature is already under government scrutiny, but the reports suggest that the centre is planning to increase that as Telegram and Signal are also likely to receive notices over the username feature. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is expected to seek detailed explanations from both platforms on how their username systems work, how users can be identified, and what safeguards are in place to prevent misuse. The move comes a day after the government asked Meta to pause WhatsApp’s proposed username rollout in India and explain the feature within three days. Officials believe the username feature could create fresh risks of impersonation, online fraud, phishing and digital scams if it is introduced without strong security measures.
SurveyReports claim that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is preparing to send notices to Telegram and Signal to understand how their username features function and whether they pose similar risks. The ministry wants both platforms to explain the security implications, user verification process and measures to stop misuse by fraudsters.
The development follows the Centre’s notice to Meta over WhatsApp’s username feature which was expected to roll out soon. However, the Indian government has asked the company not to roll out the feature until the discussions are completed and concerns raised by authorities are addressed.
According to the notice, officials fear that usernames could make it easier for criminals to impersonate individuals, government departments, financial institutions and other trusted organisations. The government believes that the feature if left unchecked could lead to an increase in phishing attacks, digital arrest scams and identity fraud.
The notice also asks Meta to explain why action should not be taken under the Information Technology Act and the Information Technology Rules if the feature is found to increase cybercrime. The government has reminded the company of its obligations as a significant social media intermediary under existing laws.
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WhatsApp has defended the feature, saying it has not yet been launched and will be introduced gradually later this year. The company said phone numbers will still be required to create an account, and several safeguards have been built to prevent abuse.
Meta said usernames of public figures, government bodies and verified accounts have been reserved so they can only be claimed by legitimate owners. It also said lookalike usernames will be restricted, messaging limits will apply to new accounts and systems are in place to detect suspicious activity. Users will also receive details about first-time senders, including whether they are new accounts, mutual group members or based in another country, before deciding to respond.
