The Government of India is considering a common regulatory framework for messaging platforms following concerns over WhatsApp’s proposed username-based messaging feature. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is examining whether uniform rules should apply to services such as WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal, particularly in areas involving user identification, fraud prevention and cooperation with law enforcement agencies.
MeitY Examines Common Compliance Framework
According to government sources, the ministry is assessing whether a single set of regulatory requirements should govern all major messaging applications operating in India. Officials believe a common framework could ensure consistency and prevent one platform from being subjected to restrictions while competitors continue offering similar features without comparable safeguards.
The review follows objections raised over WhatsApp’s proposal to allow users to communicate through usernames instead of displaying mobile phone numbers. Authorities are concerned that such a system could make it easier for offenders to conceal their identities and could complicate investigations involving cybercrime and online fraud.
Officials fear that username-based communication may be misused for impersonation, phishing, digital arrest scams, investment fraud and other deceptive activities. Investigators have also raised concerns that the absence of visible, verified mobile numbers could make suspect identification and tracing more difficult.
WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal Asked to Explain Safeguards
MeitY has issued notices to WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal, seeking details about the safeguards built into their username-based systems. The ministry has asked the companies to explain how they intend to address identity verification, fraud prevention, user safety and requests from investigating agencies.
Government sources said responses from WhatsApp and Telegram have already been received and are being examined. The contents of the submissions have not been disclosed, and the review remains underway.
Officials familiar with the discussions said the government does not favour an app-specific approach. They indicated that any future policy should apply across the digital communications ecosystem and should not give one service a regulatory advantage over another.
Before taking a final decision, the government is expected to consult messaging service providers and other stakeholders. Technical safeguards proposed by the companies are also likely to be evaluated during the process.
Final Decision to Follow Further Consultations
The issue gained attention after the government reportedly asked WhatsApp to defer the rollout of its proposed username feature in India until consultations were completed. WhatsApp is understood to have assured the authorities that the feature would not be launched in the country before the review process concludes.
India is WhatsApp’s largest market, with an estimated 500 million users, making any regulatory decision involving the platform significant for the country’s digital communications sector.
A researcher at Algoritha Security said username-based messaging can improve user privacy but may also create identity-verification challenges if adequate safeguards are absent. Strong account verification, abuse detection, behavioural monitoring, device-level authentication and cooperation with law enforcement were described as important measures for reducing fraud risks.
The government has not announced a final decision. If introduced, the proposed framework could establish common standards for user identification, fraud prevention, grievance redressal and assistance to investigative agencies across messaging applications operating in India.
