After WhatsApp, Centre Sends Notice To Telegram, Signal Over Username Feature

Published 2 July 2026 · tech

After WhatsApp, Centre Sends Notice To Telegram, Signal Over Username Feature Published By, Last Updated: July 02, 2026, 21:55 IST The government has now widened

After WhatsApp, Centre Sends Notice To Telegram, Signal Over Username Feature Published By, Last Updated: July 02, 2026, 21:55 IST The government has now widened its scrutiny to other messaging platforms as well, sources said. Rapid Read News18 The Centre has widened its scrutiny of messaging platforms, with Telegram and Signal now coming under the government’s radar after the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) raised concerns over WhatsApp’s username feature. The IT Ministry has sent notices to Telegram and Signal seeking details on how the platforms are addressing concerns related to fraud, impersonation and other cybercrimes through their existing username feature, according to a PTI report citing sources. Sources said the government has specifically asked Telegram why it should be allowed to retain the username feature and what safeguards are in place to prevent its misuse. Centre’s Notice To WhatsApp The development comes a day after the Centre issued a notice to Meta over WhatsApp’s proposed username feature, warning that it could materially increase online fraud, phishing attacks, digital arrest scams and impersonation by allowing users to communicate without sharing their phone numbers.

The government directed WhatsApp to pause the rollout of the feature until consultations with the authorities are completed “to the satisfaction of the Government." In its notice, the Centre asked Meta to explain why action should not be initiated under the Information Technology Act and the relevant rules if the feature is found to facilitate cybercrime. It also reminded the company that WhatsApp, as a Significant Social Media Intermediary, is required to comply with due diligence obligations under the IT Act. What WhatsApp Said Defending the feature, WhatsApp said it has incorporated multiple safeguards to minimise the risk of impersonation and fraud. In a statement, the Meta-owned platform said usernames of high-profile individuals, public figures, government entities, celebrities and verified Meta accounts have been reserved so that they can only be claimed by their legitimate owners. It also said lookalike versions of well-known usernames are blocked to reduce the risk of impersonation.

The government’s latest move signals that its concerns extend beyond WhatsApp, with authorities now examining how other messaging platforms that already offer usernames have addressed similar security risks. India is WhatsApp’s largest market, with more than 500 million users, giving it a significantly larger user base than Telegram. Telegram Temporary Ban Telegram has already faced regulatory scrutiny in recent months over concerns related to online fraud, impersonation and the circulation of sensitive content. The platform was temporarily banned in India until June 22 after the government cited its alleged failure to curb the circulation of leaked and fake Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) question papers, misleading content and other fraudulent material linked to the country’s medical entrance examination process. Services were restored after the week-long ban expired. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Saurabh Verma Senior Sub-editor Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Chief Sub-editor.