The Centre has expanded its scrutiny of messaging platforms by issuing notices to Telegram and Signal over their username features, a day after directing WhatsApp to suspend the rollout of a similar option.
According to government sources, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has sought details from both platforms on the safeguards they have implemented to prevent fraud, phishing, impersonation and other cybercrimes linked to username-based communication. The ministry has also asked Telegram to justify the continued availability of the feature on its platform.
On Wednesday, the Centre served a notice to Meta-owned WhatsApp, expressing concerns that introducing usernames could make it easier for fraudsters to contact potential victims without using phone numbers. The government asked the company to halt the rollout until consultations are completed and warned that action could be initiated under the Information Technology Act if regulatory requirements are not met.
Government sources said the review of Telegram and Signal reflects a broader assessment of messaging services that allow users to connect through usernames. While Telegram already provides the feature, WhatsApp has only announced plans to introduce it.
Responding to the government's concerns, WhatsApp said its proposed feature includes multiple protections against scams, impersonation and unwanted contact. The company also released a detailed FAQ explaining how usernames would function and the safety measures built into the system.
Telegram and Signal had not commented on the notices at the time of reporting. Meanwhile, homegrown messaging platform Arattai, backed by Zoho, announced that it would disable its username-based account feature to comply with the evolving regulatory requirements.
Telegram has faced increasing regulatory attention in India in recent months. Earlier this year, the platform was temporarily blocked for a week over concerns related to the circulation of fake and leaked NEET examination material and other fraudulent content before its services were restored.
