India warned Telegram and Signal about messaging without displaying phone numbers
The Indian government, in its ongoing increase in monitoring communication platforms, has now targeted the feature of using usernames in messaging apps
Indian officials have sent a notice to Telegram and Signal, asking these two messaging apps to explain the security features that allow users to communicate with others without displaying their phone numbers
The Indian government says this feature, by allowing users to remain anonymous, could facilitate fraud and identity theft
This action has been taken while previously, a similar feature in WhatsApp was also halted by the order of the Indian government
However, digital rights activists have opposed this approach, warning that restricting such features could threaten the privacy and freedom of expression of journalists, civil activists, and ordinary users