The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has widened its scrutiny of messaging platforms by issuing official notices to Telegram and Signal, asking both companies to explain how their username-based messaging features are protected against misuse.
According to government sources, the companies have been asked to provide details within three days on the safeguards built into their platforms to prevent fraud, impersonation, phishing, and other forms of cybercrime associated with usernames that allow users to communicate without revealing their phone numbers.
Government Expands Review Beyond WhatsApp
The latest notices come just a day after MeitY directed WhatsApp to pause the rollout of its proposed username feature in India and explain why the feature should be permitted.
Officials have expressed concerns that username-based messaging could make it easier for cybercriminals to impersonate individuals, businesses, financial institutions, and government agencies while concealing their phone numbers.
The notices to Telegram and Signal indicate that the government's review is not limited to one platform but extends across messaging services offering similar privacy-focused features.
Why Are Username Features Under Scrutiny?
Username systems allow users to communicate using a unique identifier instead of sharing their mobile number.
While privacy advocates view this as an important security enhancement, authorities argue that increased anonymity could create opportunities for:
- Online fraud
- Phishing attacks
- Digital arrest scams
- Identity spoofing
- Impersonation of public officials and organisations
The government has asked both companies to explain the mechanisms they have implemented to detect and prevent such misuse.
Telegram and Signal Yet to Respond Publicly
At the time of writing, neither Telegram nor Signal had issued an official public response to the notices.
According to Reuters, MeitY has also not publicly released the text of the notices, although government sources have confirmed their issuance. The ministry is seeking operational information about how username-based messaging works and the safeguards protecting users.
Privacy Versus Public Safety
The government's action has once again highlighted the ongoing debate between protecting user privacy and ensuring public safety.
Supporters of username features argue that allowing users to hide their phone numbers helps reduce spam, harassment, and unwanted contact.
However, officials believe the same functionality could make it more difficult to identify malicious actors involved in financial scams or impersonation campaigns.
Digital Rights Groups Raise Concerns
The notices have also drawn criticism from digital rights advocates.
The Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) has questioned the legal basis for the government's intervention, arguing that privacy-enhancing product features should not be restricted without clear statutory authority. The organisation has called on MeitY to publish the notices and clarify the legal provisions under which they were issued.
What Happens Next?
Telegram and Signal are expected to submit their responses within the three-day period specified by the ministry.
The government's review could influence future policy discussions around privacy-focused messaging features, particularly as more platforms introduce username-based communication systems.
For now, there has been no announcement of restrictions on Telegram or Signal's existing services, and the government's focus remains on understanding the safeguards implemented by the platforms.
Conclusion
MeitY's notices to Telegram and Signal represent the latest step in India's broader oversight of digital communication platforms. As concerns over cyber fraud and online impersonation continue to grow, regulators are increasingly examining how privacy-oriented features can coexist with user safety and legal accountability. The responses from the messaging platforms may shape future regulatory approaches to encrypted communication services in India.