Govt Sends Notices To Telegram & Signal Over Username Feature

New Delhi, India Jul 3, 2026 ALN: The Indian government's recent actions regarding messaging platforms highlight an increasing concern over user safety and cybersecurity in the digital communication landscape. The Centre's scrutiny has now expanded to include popular messaging services Telegram and Signal, following a directive issued to WhatsApp to pause its rollout of a new username feature in India. This move indicates a broader regulatory approach aimed at addressing the challenges posed by username-based messaging systems, which allow users to communicate without the need to share their phone numbers.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has initiated this inquiry in response to growing apprehensions regarding the potential for misuse of usernames, which can facilitate fraud, impersonation, and other forms of cybercrime. Unlike WhatsApp, which has yet to fully implement its username feature, both Telegram and Signal have long supported username-based communication. This allows users to connect with one another while maintaining a degree of anonymity, but it also raises significant questions about user verification and the risks associated with such anonymity. The anonymity provided by usernames can be a double-edged sword; while it enhances privacy, it also creates opportunities for malicious actors to exploit the system.

In its notices to Telegram and Signal, the government has sought detailed explanations on how these platforms mitigate risks related to fraud and impersonation. Specifically, the government is interested in understanding the safeguards that each platform has in place to protect users from potential cyber threats. Reports suggest that Telegram has been asked to justify the continued availability of its username feature, while Signal has been similarly queried about its protective measures. This scrutiny reflects the government's proactive stance on ensuring that messaging services prioritize user safety and security. The government's inquiry is not only a response to immediate concerns but also part of a larger trend where authorities worldwide are beginning to hold tech companies accountable for user safety.

In the wake of these developments, Sridhar Vembu, co-founder of the Indian software company Zoho, announced that his firm’s messaging app, Arattai, would disable its username-based account feature in compliance with the regulatory changes. This decision underscores the significant influence that government regulations can have on the operations of tech companies, particularly in the context of user privacy and security. Vembu's announcement also highlights the growing trend of local tech companies adapting to regulatory environments, which can sometimes be a challenging balancing act between innovation and compliance.

The government's directive to WhatsApp to halt the rollout of its username feature was issued just a day before the notices to Telegram and Signal were sent out. This directive emphasized the need for further consultations between the messaging platform and government authorities before any new features could be deployed. WhatsApp has defended its username feature, asserting that it remains optional and that users must still register with their phone numbers. The company has also indicated that usernames will not be publicly searchable and that measures are in place to prevent impersonation and mass discovery of users. This defense illustrates the ongoing tension between user privacy and the need for accountability and safety in digital communication.

The implications of these regulatory actions are significant, as they suggest that the Indian government is taking a firm stance on the management of digital communication platforms. The scrutiny of Telegram and Signal marks a shift in focus from WhatsApp, indicating that the government may be looking to establish a comprehensive framework for all messaging services that utilize usernames as a primary means of user identification. This could lead to stricter regulations that may require platforms to implement more robust identity verification processes, which could impact user experience and accessibility.

This latest wave of scrutiny comes on the heels of previous regulatory actions against Telegram in India. Just weeks prior, the platform faced restrictions from MeitY due to allegations of enabling organized cheating during the NEET-UG re-examination. Authorities claimed that Telegram channels were being used to disseminate fake exam papers, spread misinformation, and manipulate the platform’s message-editing feature to produce fabricated evidence of paper leaks. In response to these concerns, MeitY temporarily restricted access to Telegram until June 22, following recommendations from the National Testing Agency (NTA) and operational support from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C). This incident highlights the ongoing challenges that digital platforms face in moderating content and preventing misuse.

The crackdown on Telegram's channels, groups, and bots linked to fraudulent activities illustrates the government's commitment to tackling cybercrime and ensuring the integrity of examination processes. The operational support provided by I4C highlights the collaborative efforts between various governmental agencies to address the challenges posed by digital platforms in facilitating illegal activities. Such inter-agency cooperation is essential for developing effective strategies to combat cybercrime, which often transcends jurisdictional boundaries.

As the Indian government continues to evaluate the role of messaging platforms in the digital ecosystem, it is likely that further regulations and guidelines will be established. The emphasis on usernames and the associated risks underscores the delicate balance that must be maintained between user privacy and security. As messaging services evolve, so too will the regulatory landscape, necessitating ongoing dialogue between tech companies and government authorities. This dialogue will be crucial for fostering an environment where innovation can thrive while ensuring that user safety is not compromised.

In conclusion, the recent notices sent to Telegram and Signal represent a significant step in the Indian government's efforts to enhance cybersecurity and protect users from potential threats associated with username-based messaging. As the digital communication landscape continues to evolve, the implications of these regulatory actions will likely shape the future of how messaging platforms operate in India and beyond. The government's proactive approach serves as a reminder that while technology can facilitate communication, it also brings with it a host of challenges that must be addressed to ensure user safety and trust in digital platforms. The ongoing developments in this area will be closely monitored by stakeholders, including users, tech companies, and regulatory bodies, as they navigate the complexities of digital communication in an increasingly interconnected world.