The popular messaging app Telegram is under intense scrutiny from the Indian government, which is investigating the platform’s alleged involvement in facilitating criminal activities, including extortion and gambling. According to a report by Moneycontrol, the government is seriously considering a ban on Telegram, depending on the findings of the ongoing probe.
A government official reportedly stated, “The government is investigating Telegram over its alleged misuse in criminal activities such as extortion and gambling,” adding that the app could be banned based on the probe’s outcome. This investigation is being conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
This development comes on the heels of the arrest of Telegram’s CEO, Pavel Durov, in France. French authorities had issued an arrest warrant for Durov as part of a preliminary investigation into various alleged offenses, including fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organized crime, and the promotion of terrorism. France’s Office for the Prevention of Violence Against Minors (OFMIN) is leading the investigation, raising concerns about Telegram’s moderation policies and its purported failure to prevent criminal activities.
In India, the scrutiny on Telegram has been heightened by its alleged role in the UGC-NEET paper leak scandal. The medical entrance exam paper was reportedly leaked and widely circulated on Telegram, with the paper being sold for sums ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000. This incident has further fueled the government’s concerns about the platform’s role in spreading misinformation and facilitating illegal activities.
Despite these challenges, Telegram has maintained its compliance with Indian laws, appointing a nodal officer and a chief compliance officer and publishing monthly compliance reports. However, the government has expressed frustrations over the company’s lack of a physical presence in India, making enforcement of regulations difficult.
In October 2023, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology had issued notices to Telegram and other social media firms, directing them to remove child sexual abuse material (CSAM) from their platforms, further underscoring the government’s concerns about the platform’s safety and security measures.
