The Indian government has issued notices to messaging platforms Telegram and Signal, asking them to explain the safeguards in place for features that allow users to communicate without revealing their phone numbers, according to a government source.

The move marks the latest step in India's efforts to strengthen oversight of online platforms amid concerns that anonymous usernames could be misused for fraud, impersonation and cybercrime.

Government Seeks Details on Username Safeguards

According to the source, the notices were issued on Thursday, requesting both messaging platforms to explain how they prevent misuse of username-based communication features.

The government wants details on the measures used to protect users from:

• Identity impersonation
• Online fraud
• Phishing attacks
• Digital arrest scams
• Other forms of cyber abuse

Officials are particularly concerned that allowing users to communicate without sharing their phone numbers could make it more difficult to identify individuals involved in illegal activities.

Telegram and Signal Yet to Respond

As of now, neither Telegram nor Signal has publicly responded to the notices.

India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has also not issued an official statement regarding the matter.

The notices reportedly seek clarification on the companies' safety mechanisms and user verification processes.

WhatsApp Also Faces Regulatory Scrutiny

The latest notices follow action taken earlier this week against WhatsApp.

According to reports, the Indian government directed WhatsApp to pause the rollout of its planned username feature and explain its safeguards within three days or face possible regulatory action.

The government has raised similar concerns that anonymous usernames could increase the risk of online scams and identity-related crimes.

India Steps Up Regulation of Online Platforms

The notices represent another phase in India's broader efforts to regulate digital platforms.

In recent years, the government has introduced stricter rules governing online services, including:

• Faster removal of government-flagged content.
• Increased compliance requirements for social media companies.
• Greater scrutiny of digital communication platforms.
• Measures aimed at combating cybercrime and online fraud.

India has also previously engaged in regulatory disputes with several global technology companies over content moderation and platform compliance.

Digital Rights Groups Raise Concerns

The Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF), a digital rights organization, has urged the government to withdraw the notices issued to Telegram, Signal and WhatsApp.

The organization argued that the notice to Signal, an encrypted messaging platform widely used by journalists, activists and privacy-conscious users, could affect protected forms of communication and digital privacy.

Supporters of stronger privacy protections say username features help users avoid sharing personal phone numbers, while governments argue that anonymity can also create opportunities for criminal misuse.

The issue is likely to remain under discussion as authorities and technology companies continue balancing privacy, user safety and regulatory compliance.