India's government reviews messaging apps' username feature for security risks

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has received responses from major messaging platforms—including WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal—after issuing notices in early July directing them to pause or explain a proposed username feature that allows communication without phone numbers. Officials say the anonymity could boost impersonation, identity theft, phishing and digital‑arrest scams.

The government is assessing the submissions and will decide after evaluating the security safeguards. It is also reviewing related concerns about Truecaller and broader cybersecurity of electronic devices such as vehicle battery‑management systems. No timeline has been set for a final decision.