A day after issuing a notice to WhatsApp over its upcoming username feature, the Union ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) is set to send similar notices to Telegram and Signal. According to a government official quoted by Hindustan Times, the notices are expected to be issued on Friday.
“The rules apply to everyone. Similar notices will be sent to Telegram and Signal on Friday,” the official said.
The move comes as the government raises concerns about username-based communication systems, which allow users to interact without sharing their phone numbers. Officials believe such features could make it harder to identify users and may increase the risk of online fraud and impersonation.
Statement on MeitY’s notice to WhatsApp over the “usernames” feature
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has sent WhatsApp a notice about the usernames feature it announced on 29 June 2026. The notice asks the company to explain, within three days, why… pic.twitter.com/OZYfoIT1yE— Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) (@internetfreedom) July 1, 2026
WhatsApp asked to explain feature rollout
MeitY had earlier asked WhatsApp to pause the rollout of its username feature and provide a detailed explanation within three days. Officials from the ministry met representatives of the company on Thursday.
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According to people familiar with the discussions, WhatsApp sought additional time to respond because of the upcoming weekend. The ministry is expected to consider the request once it receives a formal application.
The concern stems from WhatsApp allowing users to reserve usernames ahead of a wider launch planned later this year. Government officials have argued that hiding phone numbers behind usernames may make tracing messages more difficult.
A WhatsApp spokesperson had earlier said the feature had not yet been launched and would be introduced gradually. The company also said usernames resembling public figures, celebrities and government institutions would be reserved for legitimate owners.
Scale of usage raises concerns
Per HT, the official said the government’s concerns are more significant in WhatsApp’s case because of its large user base.
“WhatsApp facilitates around 50 crore calls every day. People trust it blindly. That’s why our concerns are much greater with WhatsApp than with Telegram, which has a much smaller calling rate of around 2.5 crore calls in India,” the official told HT.
The official also suggested that WhatsApp may be attempting to expand its position in the messaging market.
“Maybe they want to capture Telegram’s market. WhatsApp wants to have a monopoly in this space,” the official said.
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Other platforms under scanner
Arattai founder Sridhar Vembu said on X that the company would disable its username-based account feature “to comply with the regulatory change”.
Telegram had previously faced scrutiny during the NEET-UG re-examination controversy, while Signal has largely stayed out of regulatory focus. However, all three platforms, along with Arattai and Snapchat, fall under the Department of Telecommunications’ SIM-binding directive, which links messaging accounts to physical SIM cards for traceability.
FAQs:
Why is the government sending notices to Telegram and Signal?
The Centre has raised concerns over username-based communication features.
What is the concern over usernames on messaging apps?
Officials say they may increase risks of impersonation, fraud and identity theft.
