# Govt plans common rules for usernames across messaging apps: Report — retained record

> Retained news record from news:india-entrackr.

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source: [news](https://highsignal.app/data/news) (news:india-entrackr)  published 2026-07-14 04:53 ingested 2026-07-14 08:01

[original source ↗](https://entrackr.com/news/govt-plans-common-rules-for-usernames-across-messaging-apps-report-12161817)

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The Centre is considering a common regulatory framework for usernames across messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal, The Economic Times reported on Tuesday.
The move comes weeks after the government asked WhatsApp to pause the rollout of its username feature while it reviewed the potential implications. The feature would allow users to connect without sharing their phone numbers, adding another layer of privacy.
According to the report, officials are concerned that usernames could be misused by fraudsters to impersonate individuals, brands and public figures. The government also believes such identities may be exploited in phishing attacks, financial fraud and so-called "digital arrest" scams.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has reportedly held discussions with major messaging platforms and is exploring a uniform set of rules instead of introducing platform-specific regulations. WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal have submitted their responses to the ministry, the report added.
The proposed framework is expected to strike a balance between user privacy and public safety. Officials are also examining how law enforcement agencies can investigate crimes if users increasingly communicate through usernames rather than phone numbers.
If implemented, the rules could extend beyond WhatsApp and impact every messaging platform that offers username-based identities. The move also signals the government's preference for a common policy framework instead of regulating individual platforms separately.
The framework is still under discussion, and no final decision has been taken. However, if approved, it could shape how username-based communication is regulated across India's digital ecosystem.
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