New Delhi — The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has summoned representatives from Telegram and Signal to discuss the recent rollout of “username” features that allow users to be identified without sharing phone numbers. The inquiries follow earlier meetings with WhatsApp officials concerning a surge in online fraud and impersonation that authorities say is facilitated by the popular messaging app’s new identifier system.
Both Telegram and Signal confirmed they have been contacted by the centre and are preparing responses. In a statement, Telegram said its current username system is optional, can be changed by users at any time, and does not compromise the platform’s end‑to‑end encryption. Signal’s spokesperson noted that the feature, introduced in early 2026, is intended to simplify contact discovery while preserving privacy, adding that the company is “ready to cooperate with Indian authorities on any legitimate security concerns.”
MeitY officials have not disclosed the specific questions posed to the firms, but a senior ministry source told the Times of India that the focus is on how the platforms verify the authenticity of usernames, prevent mass impersonation, and enable law‑enforcement tracing when required by court order. The ministry has previously urged WhatsApp to share data on fraudulent activities linked to its “username” rollout, which it says has been linked to a rise in phishing scams and financial fraud.
Industry analysts say the government’s heightened scrutiny reflects broader concerns about the balance between user privacy and the need to curb cybercrime. “India is the world’s second‑largest market for messaging apps, and any change that reduces the friction of reaching users can be a double‑edged sword,” said Priya Nair, a cyber‑security consultant based in Bengaluru. “If usernames can be spoofed or sold, it creates a new attack surface for fraudsters.”
The investigations come as India’s cyber‑law framework evolves. The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics) Rules, 2021, require platforms to appoint a chief compliance officer and to provide traceability of the “first originator” of a message in cases of criminal investigation. However, the rules also protect end‑to‑end encrypted communications, leaving a legal gray area around optional identifiers that are not tied to mobile numbers.
Telegram and Signal have previously resisted Indian government demands for user data, citing encryption safeguards. Their willingness to engage with authorities this time may be driven by the risk of stricter regulatory action, including potential bans or fines.
The ministry has not announced any immediate policy changes, but officials indicated that a final report will be submitted to the cabinet by the end of the quarter.
Analysis: The government’s focus on username features signals a shift from targeting content to scrutinizing the mechanics of user identification on encrypted platforms. By probing Telegram and Signal after WhatsApp, authorities appear to be testing the limits of privacy‑preserving technologies against the backdrop of rising online fraud. The outcome could set precedents for how India regulates optional identifiers on encrypted services, potentially compelling platforms to adopt more robust verification or to limit such features altogether.
Sources
– “Telegram, Signal under Centre’s scanner over username feature after WhatsApp.” Times of India, 2026. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/telegram-signal-under-centres-scanner-over-username-feature-after-whatsapp/articleshow/132141817.cms
Story synopsis gathered from: Times of India – Top Stories — source
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