After WhatsApp, notices issued to Telegram and Signal; government keeps a ‘close watch’ on the username feature..

After issuing a notice to Meta regarding WhatsApp's username feature, the central government has expanded the scope of its inquiry into the username features of messaging platforms. Following similar concerns raised regarding WhatsApp, notices have now been sent to Telegram and Signal as well. A report by the news agency PTI states that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has sought responses from Telegram and Signal regarding how they are managing risks associated with username-related fraud, impersonation, and other forms of online abuse. Additionally, the government has asked Telegram to justify why it should be permitted to continue offering this feature.

**Scope of inquiry expanded; notice to Telegram follows WhatsApp**
Before issuing notices to Telegram and Signal, the government had ordered Meta not to launch the username feature for WhatsApp. The government directed that the feature should not be rolled out until consultations regarding its privacy and security implications are concluded. In a notice sent to Meta’s Chief Compliance Officer, officials requested a detailed response within three days and questioned whether the feature could increase the risk of cybercrime. The Ministry has now extended its review to Telegram and Signal, both of which already allow users to chat using usernames instead of phone numbers.

**Why is the government concerned?**
The government is concerned that usernames could make it easier for scammers to commit fraud by impersonating celebrities, prominent figures, government officials, or trusted individuals. Officials fear that masking phone numbers behind usernames could create new avenues for scams such as phishing, online fraud, and "digital arrests."

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