After receiving notice from Meta for WhatsApp Username, the Central Government has now expanded the scope of investigation into the username feature of the messaging platform. After expressing similar concerns with WhatsApp, now a notice has been sent to Telegram and Signal as well. News agency PTI reports that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has sought answers from Telegram and Signal on how they are handling the risks associated with username fraud, impersonation and other forms of online abuse. Apart from this, the government has also asked Telegram why it should be allowed to continue providing this feature?
Scope of investigation increased, after WhatsApp now notice to Telegram
Before sending notice to Telegram and Signal, the government asked Meta whatsapp Ordered not to release the username feature for. The government has said that the feature should not be rolled out until the consultation on the privacy and security implications of the feature is completed. In a notice sent to Meta’s Chief Compliance Officer, officials sought a detailed response within three days and questioned whether the feature could increase the risk of cyber crime? The ministry has now extended the review to Telegram and Signal, both of which already allow users to chat using a username instead of a phone number.
Why is the government worried?
The government is concerned that usernames may make it easier for scammers to commit fraud by impersonating celebrities, well-known personalities, government officials or trusted people. Officials fear that hiding phone numbers behind usernames could create new opportunities for scams like phishing, online fraud and digital arrest.
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