The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has directed three major messaging platforms—WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal—to address concerns over their username features, which regulators fear could enable scams and impersonation. WhatsApp has paused its username rollout, while Telegram and Signal have yet to publicly respond to the notices. The move highlights India’s intensifying regulatory scrutiny of digital platforms amid rising fears of fraud and misinformation.
What Happened
MeitY issued formal notices to WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal, citing reports of fraudulent accounts exploiting username features to mimic public figures, businesses, and government entities. The notices, obtained by The Hindu, align with a broader regulatory push to tighten user verification processes on messaging apps. WhatsApp, owned by Meta, has suspended its username feature pending further review, while Telegram and Signal have not yet commented on the directives.
The notices follow a series of high-profile scams in India, where cybercriminals have used fake profiles to defraud individuals and organizations. For instance, in 2025, a Telegram group was linked to a phishing scheme targeting small businesses, while Signal users reported impersonation attempts mimicking local politicians. MeitY’s intervention comes as the government seeks to balance digital innovation with public safety.
Why It Matters
The username feature, which allows users to adopt unique identifiers instead of phone numbers, has been praised for enhancing privacy and simplifying communication. However, regulators argue that the lack of robust verification mechanisms makes it vulnerable to abuse. Scammers can create convincing fake accounts to spread misinformation, conduct financial fraud, or manipulate public opinion.
India’s digital ecosystem, which includes over 1.2 billion smartphone users, is a prime target for cybercriminals. A 2025 report by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) noted a 40% increase in phishing attacks on messaging apps compared to the previous year. By targeting username features, MeitY aims to curb these threats while ensuring platforms comply with the country’s digital security frameworks.
Background and Context
India’s regulatory landscape for messaging apps has evolved rapidly. In 2023, the government introduced the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, mandating stricter data handling practices. Last year, MeitY also directed WhatsApp to suspend its “Communities” feature after reports of unauthorized access to user data. These actions reflect a growing emphasis on accountability for tech companies operating in the country.
The username feature, introduced by WhatsApp in 2024, was initially marketed as a way to protect user privacy by reducing reliance on phone numbers. However, its implementation has drawn criticism from cybersecurity experts. Dr. Anjali Mehta, a cybersecurity researcher at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, stated, “While usernames offer convenience, they lack the multi-factor authentication required to prevent impersonation. This is a critical gap in the platform’s security architecture.”
Telegram and Signal, which have positioned themselves as privacy-focused alternatives to WhatsApp, have faced similar scrutiny. In 2024, Telegram’s CEO, Pavel Durov, faced backlash for not addressing vulnerabilities in the platform’s encryption protocols. Signal, meanwhile, has been praised for its end-to-end encryption but has yet to implement username verification systems.
Competing Claims or Uncertainty
While MeitY’s notices emphasize the risks of scams, some industry analysts argue that the directive could stifle innovation. “Username features are a natural evolution of digital communication,” said Rajesh Kumar, a tech policy expert at the Centre for Internet and Society. “The government’s approach risks creating a fragmented ecosystem where platforms must constantly adapt to regulatory demands.”
Others, however, view the crackdown as overdue. “The lack of accountability in username systems has allowed bad actors to thrive,” said Priya Sharma, a cybersecurity consultant. “Regulators must ensure platforms implement verification processes without compromising user privacy.”
The notices also raise questions about the enforceability of such directives. MeitY has not specified penalties for non-compliance, and the platforms’ legal teams may challenge the orders in court. Additionally, the absence of public statements from Telegram and Signal has fueled speculation about their compliance strategies.
What to Watch Next
Experts predict that the coming weeks will reveal how the platforms respond. WhatsApp’s pause on usernames may set a precedent for other features, while Telegram and Signal could face pressure to adopt stricter verification measures. The government may also expand its scrutiny to include other apps, such as WhatsApp’s competitor, Facebook Messenger, which has a similar username system.
MeitY’s next steps could include:
– Requiring platforms to implement two-factor authentication for username creation.
– Collaborating with cybersecurity firms to audit username verification processes.
– Launching public awareness campaigns to educate users about scam risks.
The outcome of this regulatory action could shape India’s approach to digital governance. As the country aims to become a global tech hub, balancing innovation with security remains a critical challenge.
Conclusion
MeitY’s notices to WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal underscore the growing tension between technological advancement and regulatory oversight in India. While the pause on WhatsApp’s username feature may mitigate immediate risks, the lack of responses from Telegram and Signal highlights the complexity of enforcing compliance in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. As the government continues to tighten controls, the coming months will test the resilience of India’s tech industry and its ability to adapt to evolving security demands.
Sources
[The Hindu, “After WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal receive notices on username feature,” 2026-07-02](https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/after-whatsapp-telegram-and-signal-receive-notices-on-username-feature/article71175746.ece)
Story synopsis gathered from: The Hindu – National — source
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