Centre Issues Fresh Notices To Telegram And Signal Over Username Feature
Government raises alarm over impersonation and fraud risks from messaging app username features.
The Indian government has escalated its regulatory scrutiny of messaging platforms by sending formal notices to Telegram and Signal, following similar action against WhatsApp. The move centers on growing concerns about how the username feature — designed to allow users to communicate without sharing their phone numbers — could enable criminal activities.
Authorities worry that the anonymity provided by usernames creates conditions ripe for online impersonation, financial fraud, and what they term "digital arrests." Sources indicate that officials fear bad actors could exploit this privacy feature to deceive users and conduct unlawful activities. The notices request clarifications on how these platforms plan to address potential misuse of the new functionality.
This regulatory action reflects the government's broader push to balance user privacy with national security and public safety concerns. Messaging apps have become central to digital communication in India, making them targets for oversight by various agencies. The username feature debate highlights the tension between privacy advocates who support anonymous communication and authorities concerned about criminal exploitation.
The government's intervention signals that India's regulatory bodies are taking a hardline stance on how tech platforms implement features that reduce traceability. Similar notices sent to WhatsApp over comparable privacy features indicate a coordinated policy direction. These platforms now face pressure to implement safeguards against misuse while maintaining the privacy benefits that attract users.
Experts suggest the notices are part of a larger pattern where the government is asserting control over digital communication infrastructure. Tech platforms will likely need to propose robust verification and reporting mechanisms to satisfy regulatory demands. The outcome could shape how messaging apps operate their services across India and influence privacy policies globally.
Source: NDTV
