New Delhi | The Central Government has intensified its scrutiny of username-based identity systems on messaging platforms, with Telegram becoming the latest company to respond to a government notice after WhatsApp. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) will now conduct a detailed review of the responses submitted by both platforms to assess the potential cybersecurity and law enforcement challenges associated with username-based communication.
According to official sources, the government’s primary concern is that the username feature would allow users to connect without sharing their mobile numbers. Authorities believe this could increase the risk of phishing, online impersonation, digital arrest scams, financial cyber fraud and other anonymous cyber-enabled crimes by making it easier for fraudsters to conceal their identities.
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Earlier, the government directed WhatsApp not to roll out the username feature in India until discussions with authorities reached a satisfactory conclusion. The company assured the government that the feature would not be launched in the country until the ongoing consultations were completed. Representatives of Meta also recently met officials from the IT Ministry to discuss the issue.
Following its notice to WhatsApp, the IT Ministry also issued notices to Telegram and Signal, seeking details of the safeguards implemented in their existing username systems to prevent fraud, fake identities and cybercrime. Telegram has now submitted its formal response, while the ministry has begun a technical and legal assessment of the explanations provided by the platforms.
Earlier, IT Secretary S. Krishnan said the government was reviewing the responses received from various messaging platforms and emphasised that user safety remains its highest priority. He said the objective is to ensure that new digital features cannot be exploited by cybercriminals for illegal activities.
In recent months, the government has also tightened oversight of these platforms in other areas. Meta was issued a notice over alleged advertisements containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on Instagram, while Telegram was directed to strengthen measures against digital piracy and the unauthorised distribution of films, OTT content and other copyrighted material on its platform.
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said username-based communication can enhance user privacy, but without strong identity verification, abuse prevention mechanisms and effective traceability, it may also create new opportunities for cybercriminals. He noted that fraudsters constantly adopt new methods to conceal their identities while carrying out impersonation, phishing, social engineering and digital arrest scams. According to him, technological innovation must be supported by robust security standards, efficient grievance redressal systems and close coordination between digital platforms and law enforcement agencies to maintain an appropriate balance between user privacy and public safety.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
