Govt to act against Telegram, Signal after WhatsApp: Here are 5 major security concerns around username feature
Follow UsThe government has expanded its scrutiny of username-based accounts on messaging apps.
After asking Meta to pause its WhatsApp username feature, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has now sent notices to Telegram and Signal.
Both Telegram and Signal have been asked to explain how their existing username feature works and what steps they have taken to prevent fraud and misuse.
The government has expanded its scrutiny of username-based accounts on messaging apps. After asking Meta to pause its WhatsApp username feature, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has now sent notices to Telegram and Signal. Both Telegram and Signal have been asked to explain how their existing username feature works and what steps they have taken to prevent fraud, impersonation and misuse. For those unaware, the username feature lets people connect with others without sharing their phone numbers. Users can create a unique username that others can search for and message.
SurveyEarlier this week, the government asked WhatsApp to stop rolling out the username feature. The authorities said the feature could increase online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams and impersonation attacks. The government has now expanded its review to other messaging platforms that already offer usernames. A source told PTI that the IT ministry has written to Telegram and Signal to understand how they are dealing with risks linked to usernames. The “government has asked Telegram why the feature should be there,” the source said.
The source also said that WhatsApp and Telegram are not exactly the same case. Telegram already offers usernames, while WhatsApp has only announced the feature and has not launched it in India. Another key difference is the size of their user base. India is WhatsApp’s biggest market, with more than 500 million users.
5 major security concerns around the username feature in India
- Increased anonymity: Username feature allows people to hide their phone number, which will make it harder for law enforcement agencies to identify people involved in cybercrime.
- Higher risk of impersonation: Scammers may create usernames that look similar to those of government officials, public figures or trusted people to trick users.
- More digital arrest scams: Officials believe that the username feature could make it easier for fraudsters to carry out digital arrest scams.
- Rise in phishing attacks: Cybercriminals may use fake profiles to send harmful links or fraudulent messages to a large number of users.
- Reduced traceability: Usernames are expected to weaken the direct connection between a verified SIM card and messaging activity, making investigations and regulatory compliance more difficult.
