Government also sought response from Telegram and Signal on username feature, iPhone 18 Pro data leak also investigated

New Delhi. The central government has expressed concern over the possibility of fraud and fake identities regarding the username feature of messaging platforms Telegram and Signal.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has issued notices to both the companies seeking clarification on the security measures related to this feature and its necessity.

According to media reports, the ministry has asked Telegram what is the need to continue its username feature and what arrangements the company has made to prevent potential cyber risks associated with it. Similarly, detailed information in this regard has also been sought from Signal.

This step has been taken at a time when the Central Government has recently asked Meta not to launch the new username feature of WhatsApp in India for now. The government has instructed the company to provide detailed information related to this feature within three days and not to implement it until the discussion is completed.

WhatsApp said in its response that the username feature already has built-in security measures designed to reduce the risk of fake identities and online fraud. Under this feature, users will be able to connect with each other only through a unique username without sharing the mobile number.

Meanwhile, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology S. Krishnan said that the government is also investigating the alleged data leak related to Apple’s not yet launched iPhone 18 Pro.

He said that the investigation into the case of documents allegedly stolen from Tata Electronics is ongoing and the relevant facts are being investigated.