After WhatsApp, Telegram faces notice over username feature:Government asks what steps are being taken to prevent the risk of cyber crimes

Regarding the username feature, the central government has sent notices to social media platforms Telegram and Signal on Thursday, after WhatsApp. The government has asked what steps they are taking to prevent online fraud, fake identities, and cybercrimes from occurring through the username feature. According to news agency PTI, the government asked Telegram why it should be allowed to continue the username feature. The government had issued a notice on Wednesday regarding the username feature of Meta and WhatsApp. The government expressed apprehension that this could lead to an increase in incidents of online fraud, phishing, digital arrest, and scams. The government has instructed WhatsApp not to implement this feature for now. Telegram was also banned after paper leaks The government sought a response from Telegram and Signal on what security measures they are adopting to prevent the misuse of this feature and cyber fraud. Both platforms already have the username feature. Last month, the government imposed a temporary ban on Telegram and its associated web services until June 22, following allegations of not taking effective action on NEET paper leaks, circulation of fake question papers, and fraud cases. WhatsApp launched the feature 3 days ago WhatsApp has started username registration worldwide from June 29. However, this feature will not be available to all users simultaneously. It will be gradually rolled out to all countries in the coming months. When this feature is available in the user’s area, they will receive a notification within their WhatsApp. WhatsApp replied to the government – our feature is secure WhatsApp had stated in response to the government’s notice that the username feature includes security measures that will protect against fake identities, online fraud, and other cybercrimes. India is WhatsApp’s largest market. It has over 500 million users in the country.