New Delhi: The Central government has intensified its scrutiny of digital messaging platforms, issuing notices to Telegram, Signal, and Meta over concerns ranging from online piracy to the potential misuse of new identity features. The action comes as part of the government’s broader effort to curb digital crimes, protect intellectual property, and strengthen online user safety.
In a significant move, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has served a notice to Telegram over the alleged widespread circulation of pirated films, web series, and OTT content on its platform. The ministry has directed the messaging service to take immediate corrective measures and submit a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) within 15 days.
Government Seeks Immediate Action Against Pirated Content on Telegram
According to sources, the I&B Ministry has expressed serious concern over the illegal sharing of copyrighted movies, television shows, and OTT content through Telegram channels and groups. The ministry has asked the platform to strengthen its monitoring mechanisms and remove content that violates copyright laws.
Telegram has also been instructed to explain the measures it has taken to prevent digital piracy and provide a comprehensive report outlining the actions implemented to curb copyright infringement.
Officials believe the move is aimed at protecting India’s rapidly growing creator economy and safeguarding the interests of filmmakers, production houses, broadcasters, OTT platforms, distributors, and content creators who suffer substantial financial losses due to online piracy.
Government Expands Scrutiny to Messaging Platforms
Apart from piracy concerns, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has also issued notices to Telegram, Signal, and Meta over the rollout of username-based identity features on messaging platforms.
Authorities have sought detailed explanations regarding the safeguards in place to prevent misuse, impersonation, identity theft, and online fraud associated with these features.
Both Telegram and Signal have been asked to explain how their username systems protect users from malicious actors and what security mechanisms exist to prevent impersonation.
Centre Raises Concerns Over WhatsApp’s Username Feature
Earlier this week, the Centre also issued a notice to Meta regarding the introduction of the Username feature on WhatsApp, expressing concerns that it could lead to a rise in cyber fraud, phishing attacks, impersonation, and so-called “digital arrest” scams.
According to Meta, the feature allows users to create an optional unique identifier beginning with the @ symbol, enabling others to contact them without revealing their phone number.
However, the government has argued that such a feature could be exploited by fraudsters to impersonate government officials, banks, public authorities, celebrities, and other trusted individuals or organisations.
The notice stated that the feature may materially increase incidents of online fraud by enabling bad actors to adopt usernames that closely resemble legitimate identities, thereby deceiving unsuspecting users.
Government Directs Meta to Delay Rollout
The Centre has directed Meta to provide a detailed explanation, supported by relevant documents, within three days, explaining why regulatory action should not be initiated under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
Until consultations with the government are completed, Meta has also been instructed not to roll out the username feature in India.
Officials have indicated that any new digital feature capable of affecting public safety or increasing cybercrime risks must undergo adequate regulatory consultation before being introduced.
WhatsApp Assures Multiple Layers of Protection
Responding to the government’s concerns, WhatsApp stated that the username feature has not yet been launched and will be introduced gradually later this year.
The company said it has incorporated multiple safeguards to minimise the risk of impersonation and fraud.
According to a WhatsApp spokesperson, usernames belonging to high-profile individuals, government agencies, verified Meta accounts, celebrities, and public institutions have already been reserved to ensure that they can only be claimed by their legitimate owners.
The company also stated that lookalike usernames resembling well-known identities would be restricted to prevent misuse.
Government Tightens Oversight of Digital Platforms
The latest notices reflect the government’s growing focus on strengthening digital governance and holding online intermediaries accountable for content moderation, cybersecurity, user safety, and intellectual property protection.
With the rapid expansion of messaging platforms and digital content consumption, authorities are increasingly emphasising stronger compliance with Indian laws to curb piracy, reduce cyber fraud, and safeguard users from emerging online threats.
The government is expected to review the responses submitted by the companies before deciding on any further regulatory or legal action.
