Telegram May Be Banned in India? Government Investigates Criminal Allegations

The Indian government has launched an investigation into the popular messaging app Telegram over concerns that it is being misused for criminal activities, such as extortion and gambling. The probe, conducted by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), could potentially lead to a ban on the app, depending on the findings.

This investigation comes in the wake of the recent arrest of Telegram’s founder and CEO, Pavel Durov, in Paris. French authorities detained Durov over concerns regarding Telegram’s moderation policies, specifically its alleged failure to prevent criminal activities on the platform. Reports indicate that Durov was arrested as part of a broader inquiry into issues like fraud, drug trafficking, and cyberbullying facilitated through the app.

In India, the scrutiny of Telegram has intensified, particularly after the UGC-NEET controversy, where the medical entrance exam paper was leaked and allegedly shared on the platform. The paper was reportedly sold for amounts ranging between Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000 on Telegram, further highlighting concerns about the app’s role in illegal activities.

Despite these challenges, Telegram has maintained that it complies with Indian laws, including the Information Technology (IT) Rules, which require platforms to appoint a nodal officer and a chief compliance officer, along with publishing monthly compliance reports. However, the Indian government has expressed frustration with Telegram’s lack of a physical presence in the country, which complicates efforts to communicate directly and request user data.

A government official stated that the decision to ban Telegram in India will be based on the outcome of the investigation. They emphasized that while the platform is compliant with IT rules, the focus of the probe is on its alleged involvement in criminal activities. The final verdict will depend on the evidence gathered during the investigation.

In response to the ongoing issues, Telegram stated that Durov frequently travels in Europe and has nothing to hide. The company emphasized that nearly a billion users globally rely on Telegram for communication and vital information, expressing hope for a swift resolution to the situation.