India issues notice to Telegram, Signal over username feature concerns

India has issued notices to messaging platforms Telegram and Signal, signaling an escalation in its scrutiny of user-anonymity tools. A government source revealed that the notices were prompted by concerns that the platforms' username features could facilitate impersonation and other forms of misuse.

The platforms have been asked to explain the safeguards they have in place to protect users. This move is part of the government's broader effort to enhance accountability on digital platforms.

The intervention follows closely on the heels of a directive to Meta's WhatsApp, instructing it to halt the rollout of its username feature in India. This feature would eventually allow users to message each other without revealing their phone numbers.

This latest action represents a significant step-up in India's policing of online platforms. It comes just weeks after the country blocked access to Telegram and follows years of disputes with platforms like Elon Musk's X over content-takedown orders.

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The messaging platforms have been asked to explain the safeguards in place to protect users as part of the government's push to strengthen accountability on digital platforms.