Telegram Ban in India: Telegram, a widely-used messaging app with nearly 950 million users globally, is facing serious scrutiny in India due to its alleged involvement in various criminal activities, ranging from exam paper leaks to financial scams.
Telegram’s Role in Exam Paper Leaks and Scandals
Recently, Telegram has been linked to several high-profile exam paper leak scandals in India. The app has been used to circulate leaked question papers for exams like UGC-NET, NEET-UG, and state-level exams such as MPPSC. This has led to the cancellation of exams and widespread public outrage. The platform’s strong privacy features, including anonymity and encrypted messaging, make it a preferred tool for such illegal activities, allowing culprits to evade detection by authorities.
Involvement in Other Crimes
Beyond exam-related misconduct, Telegram has also been implicated in other serious criminal activities. These include investment fraud, extortion, and even the distribution of child pornography. For instance, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) recently uncovered a stock price manipulation scheme operated via Telegram, where a group admin profited by influencing stock prices. Similarly, there have been cases of individuals being defrauded through the platform, such as a recent incident in Bhopal where scammers impersonated police officers and extorted ₹38 lakh from a local doctor.
Government Investigation and Potential Ban
The severity of these issues has led the Indian government to initiate a thorough investigation into Telegram’s role in facilitating criminal activities. The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) are spearheading the probe, focusing on crimes like extortion and gambling conducted through the platform’s peer-to-peer communications. Given Telegram’s lack of physical presence in India, enforcing compliance with IT regulations is challenging, which could result in a potential ban on the app depending on the investigation’s findings.
Arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov in France
The situation escalated with the arrest of Telegram’s CEO, Pavel Durov, in Paris on August 24, 2024. French authorities detained Durov due to the platform’s failure to prevent the spread of child sexual abuse material. His arrest has ignited global debate, with many in the tech community expressing concerns about the impact on free speech and privacy. While Telegram insists that it cannot be held responsible for the misuse of its platform, ongoing investigations in both France and India suggest that stricter regulatory measures may soon be imposed.
