India Expands Scrutiny of Messaging Apps Over Username Features

NEW DELHI — The Indian government has widened its regulatory oversight of digital messaging platforms, issuing formal notices to Telegram and Signal regarding their existing username features. This move follows a similar directive issued earlier this week to Meta-owned WhatsApp, which was ordered to pause the rollout of its proposed username-based contact system pending government consultation.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is investigating whether these features—which allow users to connect without disclosing their mobile phone numbers—create systemic vulnerabilities. According to official sources, the government has requested detailed explanations from the platforms regarding the specific safeguards in place to mitigate risks such as online fraud, phishing, identity spoofing, and the growing threat of “digital arrest” scams.

Government Scrutiny of Privacy Features

The core of the government's concern lies in the potential for bad actors to use usernames to solicit and message victims while maintaining anonymity. By enabling users to connect without a phone number, authorities argue that the feature could facilitate impersonation, allowing bad actors to adopt handles that mimic public authorities, financial institutions, or government agencies.

In the case of Telegram, officials have reportedly gone further, asking the platform to justify why it should be permitted to continue offering the username feature at all. This heightened pressure comes shortly after Telegram faced a week-long nationwide ban in June 2026, which was imposed after the platform allegedly failed to curb the circulation of leaked and fake National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) examination papers.

Industry Impact and Regulatory Context

The government's intervention has sparked a broader debate regarding digital privacy and regulatory overreach. While the Ministry maintains that these measures are essential to fulfill due diligence obligations under the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, and the IT Rules, 2021, digital rights advocates have voiced concerns.

The Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) has argued that the government's actions toward these privacy-enhancing features lack a clear statutory basis. Critics suggest that targeting product design—rather than focusing on the prosecution of specific illegal acts—could set a restrictive precedent for software development in India.

Meanwhile, some platforms are proactively adjusting to the climate. Zoho-backed messaging app Arattai has reportedly announced it will disable its username-based account feature to ensure compliance with the evolving regulatory landscape.

Official Sources

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is spearheading the investigation into these messaging platforms. According to reports from the Press Trust of India (PTI) and other government-informed sources, the platforms have been given a three-day window to provide detailed responses regarding their security architecture and verification protocols.

Quote Section

"Government has asked Telegram why the feature should be there," a government source told news agencies regarding the platform's long-standing username functionality.

Why It Matters

This regulatory standoff is significant because it directly impacts how millions of Indians communicate. For users, the username feature is often seen as a privacy tool that protects personal mobile numbers from spam and harassment. However, for law enforcement, the lack of mobile-number-linked identifiers can complicate the tracing of perpetrators in complex cybercrime cases. The outcome of these consultations will likely dictate the future of privacy-focused design in the world's largest messaging market.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Wider Scrutiny: The IT Ministry has extended its investigation from WhatsApp to include Telegram and Signal regarding username-based risks.

• Compliance Deadline: Telegram and Signal have been given three days to furnish explanations and evidence of safety safeguards.

• Stated Risks: The government cited "digital arrest" scams, phishing, and impersonation of public institutions as primary motivations for the notices.

• Precedent: The move follows a temporary ban on Telegram in June 2026 over the handling of fraudulent NEET exam content.

FAQ

What is the "username feature" in question?

The feature allows users to choose a unique handle (e.g., @Name123) to communicate on messaging platforms without revealing their registered mobile phone number.

Why is the government concerned?

Authorities believe the anonymity provided by these features makes it easier for criminals to impersonate officials or banks and conduct phishing or financial fraud without being easily traced.

Have Telegram and Signal responded?

As of July 3, 2026, spokespersons for both Telegram and Signal had not provided an immediate official comment regarding the notices.

What happens next?

The platforms are required to submit detailed documentation on their safety features. Depending on the government's satisfaction with these responses, future regulatory actions—including potential feature suspension—remain possible.

Source: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Press Trust of India, The Hindu