The Indian government has issued notices to messaging platforms Telegram and Signal regarding their username features, following a similar directive to WhatsApp. The move comes as part of the government's scrutiny of digital communication platforms over potential misuse of user identification features.
Government Directs Pause on Username Feature
According to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the notices direct Telegram and Signal to put their username features on hold until consultations with the government are completed to its satisfaction. The government had earlier directed WhatsApp to halt its username feature, which allows users to create unique handles for communication without sharing phone numbers.
An official statement said, "The government is committed to ensuring a safe and secure digital ecosystem for citizens. The username feature, while offering convenience, raises concerns about anonymity and potential misuse for illegal activities. Consultations with platforms are ongoing to address these issues."
Details of the Notices
The notices were sent on July 1, 2026, citing the need for compliance with the Information Technology Act and rules. The government has asked the platforms to provide details on how the username feature works, including measures to prevent impersonation, spam, and criminal activities. The platforms have been given two weeks to respond.
Telegram and Signal have not yet publicly commented. WhatsApp, which received a similar notice in June, has paused its username feature rollout in India pending government approval.
Impact on Users
The directive affects millions of users in India, a key market for these platforms. Telegram has over 200 million monthly active users in India, while Signal has seen significant growth since 2021. The username feature was seen as a way to enhance privacy by allowing users to interact without exposing personal phone numbers.
However, the government has expressed concerns that such features could be exploited by criminals and terrorists to evade law enforcement. A senior official said, "Anonymity should not come at the cost of national security. We need to strike a balance between privacy and accountability."
Background
The government's action is part of a broader push to regulate social media and messaging platforms. In 2021, the IT Rules mandated traceability of messages, which was contested by platforms. The current notices focus specifically on username features, which could bypass phone number-based identification.
Industry experts say the outcome of these consultations could set a precedent for how digital identity is managed in India. The government has indicated that it may require platforms to verify user identities before allowing username-based communication.
