India Seeks Answers From Telegram and Signal Over Anonymous Messaging Features

India has asked messaging platforms Telegram and Signal to explain the safeguards behind features that allow users to communicate without revealing their phone numbers. The move signals a broader push by the government to scrutinise not only entire platforms but also specific product features that could affect online safety.

According to a government source familiar with the matter, the notices were issued on Thursday. The source said the government wants both platforms to clarify how they prevent impersonation and misuse linked to features that enable interactions without exposing users’ phone numbers.

Previously, India temporarily blocked Telegram last month, marking a significant step in its oversight of digital platforms. Now, the government’s focus has expanded to assessing individual features across multiple messaging services.

Government Raises Concerns Over User Anonymity

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Telegram and Signal have been asked to provide details of the protections they have in place against fraudulent activity and identity misuse.

However, neither India’s Information Technology Ministry nor the two messaging platforms immediately responded to requests for comment.

Meanwhile, the government’s scrutiny has extended beyond Telegram and Signal. On Wednesday, the Information Technology Ministry directed WhatsApp to suspend the rollout of its planned username feature. It also instructed the platform to justify the feature within three days or face possible regulatory action.

According to the government, usernames that conceal phone numbers could make it easier for criminals to carry out online fraud, phishing attempts, digital arrest scams and impersonation attacks.

Wider Regulatory Push

The latest notices form part of India’s broader effort to tighten oversight of global technology companies. The government has increasingly focused on online safety and platform accountability, particularly where new features could affect user identification.

Officials argue that greater anonymity may create opportunities for malicious actors to exploit digital communication channels. As a result, the government has intensified its examination of features that reduce the visibility of users’ identities.

Digital Rights Groups Raise Objections

The government’s actions have drawn criticism from digital rights advocates. The Internet Freedom Foundation urged the Information Technology Ministry to withdraw the notices issued to Telegram, Signal and WhatsApp.

The organisation argued that the notice sent to Signal, an encrypted messaging service widely used by journalists and activists, directly affects protected speech.

The group criticised the government’s expanding approach to platform regulation, stating: “This is a dragnet, it is widening, and it has no basis in law.”

The latest development follows earlier disputes between Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government and major technology companies. The administration previously clashed with Elon Musk’s X over content removal orders. In February, it also tightened compliance rules by requiring platforms to remove government-flagged content within three hours instead of the previous 36-hour window.

With inputs from Reuters