India extends username review to Telegram, Signal
03 Jul 2026, 02:00 PMThis comes after the government raised concerns about a similar planned username feature of WhatsApp.
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The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued notices to Telegram and Signal, seeking details on the safeguards they have in place to prevent misuse of their username-based messaging features, days after directing WhatsApp to pause the planned rollout of a similar feature in India, according to a PTI report.
The ministry has asked both platforms to explain how their username systems prevent impersonation, phishing, online fraud and so-called "digital arrest" scams, where fraudsters pose as government officials or law enforcement agencies.
The move comes after MeitY asked Meta-owned WhatsApp not to roll out its proposed username feature in India until further consultations are completed. The ministry had also sought a detailed explanation of the feature's functioning and the measures the company has put in place to prevent misuse.
Username-based messaging allows users to communicate without sharing their phone numbers, offering an additional layer of privacy. However, the government is examining whether the feature could also make it easier for malicious actors to conceal their identities and impersonate individuals, businesses or government officials.
Telegram has supported usernames for years, while Signal also offers users the option to connect through usernames instead of phone numbers. The outreach to both companies indicates that the government's review extends beyond WhatsApp and is aimed at assessing whether existing safeguards across major messaging platforms are adequate.
The notices do not amount to a restriction on the services. Instead, they are part of a broader review that could shape future compliance requirements for messaging platforms operating in India.
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