Telegram, a popular messaging app famous worldwide for its privacy and security, is now facing serious legal challenges in India. According to a report by Moneycontrol, the Indian government is investigating Telegram’s role in crimes, including its alleged role in criminal activities such as extortion and gambling. The investigation is one of several being carried out against the platform, which Telegram has been accused of promoting illegal activities. If these allegations are proved, the possibility of banning Telegram in India cannot be ruled out.
The growing problems of the telegram
The recent arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov in France has further complicated the global legal problems against the messaging platform. France’s OFMIN (Organisation for Minor’s Protection from Violence) issued an arrest warrant against Durov after a preliminary investigation into charges of promoting serious criminal activities such as drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organized crime, and terrorism. The arrest has highlighted French authorities’ concerns about Telegram’s moderation policies and alleged failure to prevent criminal activities on its platform.
In India, the government’s investigation is being carried out by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). This investigation is particularly focused on how Telegram has been used for illegal activities such as extortion and gambling. Authorities have expressed concern that many criminals are carrying out their criminal acts through Telegram, posing a serious threat to the country’s law and order.
Role of Telegram in UGC-NEET paper leak
The latest case in the growing concerns over Telegram is the UGC-NEET paper leak, in which the medical entrance exam paper was leaked on Telegram. The paper was being sold between Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000 on the platform, which is a serious challenge to the Indian education system. This incident has further strengthened the allegations of promoting illegal activities on Telegram. This paper leak case has further intensified the Indian government’s investigation into Telegram.
Legal status of telegram in India
Telegram has taken several steps to maintain its position in India. The company has appointed a nodal officer and a chief compliance officer for compliance with Indian laws. In addition, Telegram also publishes monthly compliance reports, indicating that the company is committed to complying with Indian laws. However, the government has expressed difficulties in dealing with this messaging platform due to Telegram’s lack of physical presence in India.
In October 2023, the IT Ministry had directed Telegram and some other social media companies to remove child sexual abuse material (CSAM) from their platforms. The directive was given in view of the growing issue of objectionable content on digital platforms in India. Telegram has promised to comply with this order, but even after this, uncertainty remains on the legal status of this app in India.
The possibility of a ban on Telegram
Although Telegram has made several arguments in its defence, the possibility of banning Telegram in the wake of the Indian government’s ongoing investigation cannot be completely ruled out. If the findings of the investigation go against Telegram and it is proved that this platform is playing an active role in promoting criminal activities, then Telegram may be banned in India. This situation will be a big blow not only for Telegram, but also for millions of its Indian users who use this app for their personal and business communication.
As part of the steps taken by the government to maintain digital security and law and order in India, it is important that companies like Telegram fully comply with Indian laws and take stringent steps on their platforms to prevent illegal activities. If this does not happen, this app may face difficulty in continuing its operations in India.
Conclusion
Telegram, which was once known for privacy and security, is now facing serious legal challenges in India. Its alleged misuse in extortion, gambling, and other criminal activities is being investigated by the Indian government. Incidents like the UGC-NEET paper leak have further intensified this investigation. Although Telegram has taken some steps to comply with Indian laws, its lack of physical presence in India and its alleged failure to prevent criminal activities on the platform has put a question mark on its future. If the findings of the investigation go against Telegram, there is a possibility of banning this app in India, which can become a serious issue for its users and digital freedom.
