Telegram and Signal Given Three Days to Explain Username Feature to Govt

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) on Thursday issued notices to messaging platforms Telegram and Signal seeking details about their username features and the safeguards in place to prevent misuse.

Telegram already has the username feature. For Signal, the feature is present but is optional. WhatsApp, meanwhile, has not yet rolled out the feature anywhere in the world, although it has started allowing users to reserve usernames.

According to PTI, both platforms have been asked to explain how they can tackle risks such as online fraud, phishing, impersonation and other cybercrimes. Like WhatsApp, they have been given three days to submit their responses.

The move comes a day after the Centre wrote a similar notice to WhatsApp, directing the Meta-owned platform to pause the rollout of its planned username feature. The government said the feature could increase cybercrime by making it easier for fraudsters to carry out impersonation, phishing, online scams and so-called digital arrest frauds by allowing them to contact users without relying solely on phone numbers. It also asked Meta to keep the feature on hold until consultations are completed.

As of July 3, 2026, neither Telegram nor Signal had issued an official response.

"Government has asked Telegram why the feature should be there," an IT Ministry source told PTI.

Responding to the government's concerns, WhatsApp said the feature includes built-in safeguards designed to prevent scams and protect users. The company has also published a detailed FAQ outlining measures to reduce impersonation and unwanted contact once usernames become available.

Regulatory Pressure Extends to Domestic Platforms

The government's scrutiny has also prompted action from domestic messaging platforms. According to PTI, Zoho-backed messaging platform Arattai will disable its username-based account feature to comply with the evolving regulatory framework. Zoho co-founder Sridhar Vembu announced the decision on X, PTI reported.

Telegram, meanwhile, continues to remain under the government's regulatory lens in India. The platform was temporarily blocked for a week before services were restored on June 22, 2026. The government said the restriction was imposed over Telegram's alleged failure to curb the circulation of leaked NEET examination papers, misleading content and other fraudulent activities linked to the medical entrance examination process, PTI reported.