The Central government is preparing a common set of rules for usernames used on messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal. The move comes after the government asked WhatsApp to stop rolling out its new username feature in India and started reviewing how similar features work on other messaging platforms.
The government wants the same rules to apply to every messaging app instead of handling each platform separately. Officials believe it is unfair to stop one company from launching a feature while other apps continue offering the same service.
Why the Government Wants Common Username Rules
The discussion started after WhatsApp announced its new username feature on June 29, 2026. The feature was introduced as a privacy tool that lets people chat with others without sharing their mobile numbers.
Soon after the announcement, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) asked Meta to pause the rollout of the feature in India. The government said it wanted to review the safety measures before allowing the feature to go live.
After this, MeitY also sent notices to Telegram and Signal. The ministry asked both companies to explain how their username systems work and what steps they have taken to stop misuse.
The government’s biggest concern is that usernames could make it easier for cybercriminals to hide their identity. Officials fear that online fraud, phishing scams, digital arrest scams and fake accounts could increase if users communicate only through usernames instead of phone numbers.
Another concern is that usernames may make it harder for law enforcement agencies to identify people during criminal investigations.
Government officials also say that current laws, including the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, require platforms to help law enforcement but do not clearly mention features like usernames. Because of this, the government now wants to create one common framework for all messaging apps.
Messaging Platforms Explain Their Safety Measures
Following the government’s order, WhatsApp shared details about the safety features planned for its username system. Meta said usernames linked to existing Facebook and Instagram accounts would be protected to reduce impersonation. The company also plans to use automated systems to detect fake accounts, limit how often users can change usernames and restrict the number of new people who can contact someone through a username. It will also show alerts when messages come from unknown or international accounts.
Telegram has also replied to the government’s questions and explained the safety measures already used on its platform. The app has supported usernames for many years.
Signal, which is known for its strong focus on user privacy and minimal data collection, had not responded to the government’s notice at the time of the latest reports.
Meanwhile, Indian software company Zoho announced that it would remove the username feature from its messaging app, Arattai, to stay in line with the government’s proposed changes.
The issue is important because India is the world’s biggest market for messaging apps. Industry estimates suggest there are more than 800 million messaging app accounts in the country. WhatsApp alone has over 500 million users in India, making it its largest market anywhere in the world.
Privacy Concerns Grow as Government Pushes Ahead
The government’s proposal has started a wider debate about privacy and online safety.
Officials say usernames can make it easier to create fake profiles, run bot accounts and reopen accounts even after action is taken against them. They believe a common set of rules will help improve accountability and support investigations into cybercrime.
Some technology experts and political analysts believe the government’s main aim is to improve user traceability without affecting end-to-end encryption. Even if authorities cannot read messages, they may still be able to identify who sent them if stronger identity rules are introduced.
The move also comes as the government is strengthening telecom security. Under the Telecommunication Cybersecurity Amendment Rules, 2025, OTT messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal are expected to link user accounts with active SIM cards. The rules also require web sessions to log out automatically if the linked SIM card is removed or becomes inactive.
However, digital rights groups and privacy experts have raised concerns. They argue that existing laws do not require companies to take government approval before launching new software features. According to them, such a system could slow down innovation and increase government control over digital services.
Critics also question whether banning or limiting usernames will actually reduce online fraud. They point out that many cyber scams already use verified mobile numbers, showing that usernames alone are not the main reason for such crimes.
Privacy advocates also say username features are useful for journalists, activists, whistleblowers and women who do not want to share their personal phone numbers while communicating online.
Legal experts believe the issue could eventually reach the Supreme Court, where judges may have to decide how to balance the right to privacy with the government’s responsibility to ensure public safety.
For now, MeitY is continuing discussions with messaging platforms before taking a final decision. The new rules, if introduced, could change how millions of people in India use apps like WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal in the coming months.