Following WhatsApp, the central government has now begun cracking down on Telegram and Signal. The IT Ministry has issued notices to both messaging apps, raising questions about their username feature. The government fears this feature could be used for cybercrimes such as fake identities, online fraud, phishing, and "digital arrest."

After banning WhatsApp's username feature, the central government has now also targeted Telegram and Signal. The IT Ministry has sent notices to both messaging platforms, questioning their current username feature. The government has asked what measures they have taken to prevent fraud, fake identities, and online scams using this feature.

According to sources, in a notice sent to Telegram, the government directly questions why it should be allowed to continue using the username feature. Signal has also been asked how it is addressing concerns such as fake accounts, anonymous targeting, and cybercrime. The government believes that cybercriminals can easily trap people by abusing the username feature.

What is the question from WhatsApp?

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Just a day before this, the central government had sent a notice to Meta, objecting to WhatsApp's username feature. The government had asked what measures were in place to prevent this from happening, citing concerns that it could lead to increased cases of online fraud, phishing, digital arrests, and cybercrimes like fake identities. WhatsApp was also instructed not to implement the feature until discussions with the government were complete.

The government has also asked Meta why action should not be taken against it under the IT Act and related regulations for introducing such a feature. The government reminded that WhatsApp is an important social media platform, and therefore, it has a greater responsibility to ensure the safety of its users. However, WhatsApp defended itself by stating that its username feature already includes several security measures designed to prevent fraud.

Government in action mood

Telegram has also been under scrutiny in India for some time. Following complaints of alleged paper leaks, fake content, and cheating related to the NEET exam, the government temporarily banned Telegram and its web services in June. The notices issued to Telegram and Signal, following WhatsApp, clearly indicates that the government is tightening its control over messaging app features that could be exploited by cybercriminals to conceal their identities.

 PC : Hindi News18