Messaging Platforms – Centre Expands Review of Username Features Across Apps
Messaging Platforms – The Union government has widened its examination of username-based messaging features by sending notices to Telegram and Signal, according to government sources. The move follows a directive issued to Meta-owned WhatsApp a day earlier, asking the company to halt the planned introduction of usernames until consultations with authorities are completed.
Usernames allow people to communicate without disclosing their mobile numbers. While the feature can offer additional privacy, officials are assessing whether it may also make it easier for fraudsters to approach users anonymously or create misleading identities.
MeitY seeks details from Telegram and Signal
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has reportedly asked Telegram and Signal to outline the safeguards they use to prevent impersonation, phishing attempts and other forms of online fraud linked to usernames.
Telegram has also been asked to explain why the feature should continue to remain available on its platform. Government sources said the review is part of a broader effort to understand how messaging services can prevent misuse while retaining legitimate privacy features.
Telegram and Signal had not issued an immediate response to media queries at the time of reporting.
WhatsApp asked to pause planned rollout
The government’s action comes after WhatsApp received a notice over its proposed username feature. Officials expressed concern that the option could increase the risk of scams, phishing messages, impersonation and so-called digital arrest fraud, in which criminals falsely claim to represent law-enforcement agencies.
Meta has been directed to pause the rollout until discussions are concluded to the government’s satisfaction. The notice also asks the company to explain why action should not be considered under the Information Technology Act and related rules.
Authorities noted that WhatsApp is classified as a significant social media intermediary and is required to meet due diligence obligations under India’s IT regulations.
Platforms differ in stage and scale
Although the concerns around WhatsApp and Telegram are related, officials have indicated that the two cases are not identical. Telegram already allows users to create usernames, while WhatsApp has only announced plans to introduce the feature.
The scale of the platforms is also markedly different. India is WhatsApp’s largest market, with more than 500 million users. That reach has made the planned feature a significant issue for regulators considering its possible impact on consumer protection and cybercrime prevention.
WhatsApp has said its username system would include security measures intended to reduce impersonation and scam-related risks. The company later shared frequently asked questions on social media explaining how the feature would function, how users could control contact requests, and what protections would be available against unwanted communication.
Arattai to remove username-based accounts
Meanwhile, Arattai, the messaging service backed by Zoho, said it would disable its username-based account option in response to the regulatory development. Zoho co-founder Sridhar Vembu announced the decision in a post on X, stating that the platform would comply with the change.
The development signals that the government’s review could influence other messaging services operating in India, especially those offering alternatives to phone-number-based communication.
Telegram faces wider regulatory attention
Telegram has faced growing regulatory scrutiny in India in recent months over allegations involving fraud, impersonation and the circulation of sensitive material.
Earlier, the government imposed a week-long restriction on Telegram and related web services until June 22. The action was linked to allegations that the platform had failed to prevent the circulation of leaked and fake NEET examination papers, misleading posts and other fraudulent activity connected with the medical entrance examination.
The latest notices indicate that the government is likely to continue examining how messaging platforms balance privacy tools with safeguards against online abuse.