After stopping WhatsApp, Centre hits Telegram and Signal with strict notices over username feature: 'Why should it be there?'
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· IT, AI, semiconductors & computing· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
The Indian IT Ministry issued notices to Telegram and Signal regarding their username features to mitigate risks of fraud, phishing, and impersonation.
Background
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is scrutinizing the 'username' feature on messaging platforms. The government has requested Meta to pause the WhatsApp username feature pending consultations to prevent online scams.
Facts for Prelims
- BodyMeitY (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology) is the nodal ministry for IT regulations in India
- S&TPhishing: A cyber attack where victims are deceived into providing sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers
- FactTelegram and Signal are end-to-end encrypted messaging platforms used globally
For Mains
Q. Discuss the challenges posed by anonymous digital identities on messaging platforms and evaluate the government's role in balancing user privacy with national security.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Regulatory friction: Balancing the right to privacy under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act with the need to curb cyber-fraud
- Identity verification: Technical hurdles in verifying real-world identities without compromising end-to-end encryption protocols
- Platform accountability: Determining the liability of intermediaries for fraudulent activities facilitated by platform-native features
Keywords: Cybersecurity · Digital Governance · Data Privacy · Intermediary Liability · Identity Theft
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