Government Issues Notice to Telegram, Signal Over Anonymous Username Feature
Centre targets encrypted messaging apps for allowing users to hide phone numbers behind usernames.
India's central government has issued formal notices to Telegram and Signal, following earlier action against WhatsApp, raising concerns about the username feature that allows users to conceal their phone numbers during communications. Officials and cybersecurity experts have flagged this functionality as a potential security vulnerability that complicates efforts to identify message senders.
The notices appear to be part of a broader regulatory push to enhance transparency in digital messaging platforms. Government authorities contend that usernames create a layer of anonymity that could facilitate illegal activities and make law enforcement investigations considerably more difficult. The concerns echo previous warnings issued to WhatsApp regarding similar privacy-centric features.
Security officials have expressed worry that hiding phone numbers behind usernames makes it substantially harder to trace communication chains and identify individuals engaging in unlawful conduct. This development reflects growing tension between user privacy expectations and government surveillance capabilities in India's digital ecosystem.
The notices signal the Centre's determination to impose stricter oversight on encrypted messaging services operating in India. These platforms have become central to daily communication for millions of Indians, making regulatory decisions consequential for the broader digital landscape.
This action is part of a larger pattern where Indian authorities are seeking greater visibility into digital communications. The government has previously issued guidelines requesting social media platforms and messaging services to implement stronger user verification mechanisms and maintain better records of communications.
