After WhatsApp, the central government has also sent a notice to Telegram and Signal on the username feature. The government fears that this may increase crimes like impersonation, cyber fraud and digital arrest.
WhatsApp Username Feature Notice: There is a huge stir in the digital world! Is the biggest weapon available in the name of your privacy now going to become the most dangerous tool of cyber criminals? The notice which till yesterday had reached only the doorstep of WhatsApp, has now come under the ambit of the two most secure messaging apps in the world. According to sources, the government has sought a detailed report from both messaging platforms Telegram and Signal on their username feature, security arrangements and potential risks. This step has been taken at a time when cases of online fraud, digital arrest, impersonation and cyber fraud are increasing continuously. Because this sensational news coming from a report has shocked everyone from the tech industry to the common users. The complete inside story of this strict action of the Central Government and the big dangers hidden behind it is given below:
Two more victims after WhatsApp: That ‘secret’ notice from the government
The war between digital privacy and national security has now reached a very critical point. According to sources, after giving a blow to WhatsApp on July 02, the Central Government has now given a strict notice to Telegram and Signal also. Through this notice, the government has immediately sought a detailed report from both the platforms on their ‘username feature’ and the security arrangements related to it. The surprising thing is that while WhatsApp was just preparing to launch this feature, this feature is already present in Telegram and it is working as an optional feature in Signal. This all-out attack by the government has made it clear that it is in no mood to show any laxity in this matter.
A mask of privacy or a shield for criminals? Government’s biggest concern
What happened that the government has suddenly gone after these username features? There is a deep and scary suspense hidden behind it. Actually, tech companies claim that with the help of username, users can protect their privacy by hiding their phone number. But the government fears that this privacy will become an impenetrable shield for criminals.
alarm: The biggest concern of the government is that complete concealment of identity can lead to a terrible flood of cases of online impersonation, financial fraud and the rapidly increasing ‘digital arrest’ in the country. When criminals have no fear of the law or being caught, they will prey on innocent people without any hesitation.
There was a stir in the tech world: Indian app ‘Arattai’ surrendered!
The effect of this strict stance of the government is immediately visible on social media and the Indian tech industry. Zoho co-founder and chief scientist Sridhar Vembu made a very shocking announcement on social media platform X. “To fully comply with government and regulatory changes, we are discontinuing the username-based account feature in our messaging app Arattai with immediate effect,” he said clearly. This step of Zoho shows how serious is the government pressure and other companies may also have to change their strategies in the coming days.
Meta got 3 days ultimatum: ‘defense’ plan of companies
Earlier, the government had issued a notice to Meta-owned WhatsApp asking it to provide complete information on this proposed feature within 3 days. The government has given clear instructions that until the talks and investigation on this sensitive matter is completed, WhatsApp cannot make this feature live in India.
| platform | Current status of the username feature | government action |
| Yet to Launch (Proposed) | Asked for answer in 3 days, ban on launching | |
| Telegram | already fully active | Immediate report sought on security arrangements |
| signal | Active (user optional) | Instructions for detailed report on safety measures |
Meta has listed several levels of security, what will be enough?
WhatsApp’s parent company Meta says that several “Layers of Defense” have been created to make the username feature secure. According to the company, high-profile names—such as government entities, celebrities and public personalities—will be blocked in advance to prevent someone else from misusing them. Additionally, usernames that are similar to a famous name will also be limited. The company claims that its systems will be able to identify and block suspicious activities, attempts to create fake identities and accounts that contact new people on a large scale.
Now everyone’s eyes are on the next step of the government
At present, the government will study the responses received from WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal. After this it will be decided whether the username feature should be allowed in its current form, changes should be made in it or new regulatory standards should be created for it. Cyber security experts believe that in the coming days, important decisions may be taken regarding balancing user privacy and national security. In such a situation, this matter is not limited to just a new feature, but can also decide the direction of the rules related to digital security and online identity in India. Now it remains to be seen whether these claims of the tech giants are able to satisfy the Indian government, or whether Indian users will have to stay away from this new era of privacy!