After WhatsApp, Government Sets Sights on Telegram and Signal Over Usernames

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is preparing to issue notices to Telegram and Signal, citing concerns that anonymous username features facilitate digital fraud and impersonation.

The digital veil that once offered privacy to millions is now under intense government scrutiny. Following a similar move against WhatsApp, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is gearing up to send formal notices to Telegram and Signal. At the heart of this confrontation is the "username" feature—a tool that allows users to interact without revealing their registered mobile numbers.

Government sources suggest that the anonymity provided by these usernames has become a primary conduit for sophisticated अपराध (crimes). Officials are concerned that the ability to mask one’s identity makes it significantly easier for bad actors to engage in digital arrest scams, impersonation, and large-scale financial fraud. While these features have been staples of the Telegram and Signal experience for years, the current security climate has forced a policy review.

The Security Dilemma

The government’s primary objective is to force these platforms to disclose their internal safety protocols. Authorities want to know exactly how these companies monitor, identify, and mitigate the risks of fake profiles that use these usernames to operate with near-total impunity.

If these platforms fail to provide a robust framework for curbing fraudulent activities, the consequences could be severe. The Ministry has signaled that it is prepared to take decisive action, which could range from mandating the disabling of specific features to broader regulatory interventions against the companies themselves.

Why it matters

This push is part of a larger, evolving pattern in India’s digital governance. For years, the policy focus was on data localization and end-to-end encryption. Now, the pivot is toward accountability. By targeting the "username" architecture, the government is essentially challenging the "privacy-by-default" model that these apps pride themselves on.

For the average user, this means the landscape of encrypted messaging is set to change. If the government succeeds in curtailing these features, it will represent a significant shift in how tech giants are forced to balance user anonymity against national security requirements. Whether this will successfully curb cyber-frauds or merely drive illicit activity deeper into the dark web remains an open question, but the days of consequence-free anonymity on these platforms appear to be numbered.