Last updated on August 30th, 2024 at 03:45 pm
The Indian government has initiated an investigation into Telegram, the popular messaging app, over allegations of its misuse in criminal activities, including extortion and gambling. A senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the probe is being conducted by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
The investigation was prompted by concerns that Telegram, which has over 5 million registered users in India, has become a breeding ground for illicit activities. The probe’s findings will determine whether the app could face a potential ban in the country.
This development follows the arrest of Telegram’s founder and CEO, Pavel Durov, in Paris on August 24. Durov was detained by French authorities due to the app’s lack of moderation, which allegedly enabled criminal activities to persist on the platform.
Telegram has recently been embroiled in controversies, including the UGC-NEET question paper leak, which was widely circulated on the app. Despite being compliant with India’s Information Technology (IT) Rules, the lack of a local office in India complicates the government’s ability to investigate and request user data.
The outcome of the ongoing investigation will determine the future of Telegram in India. The platform, known for its encrypted messaging services, could be banned depending on the severity of the violations uncovered. Telegram has maintained that it operates within legal boundaries and that its CEO has nothing to hide. The situation remains tense as authorities continue their probe into the app’s alleged criminal misuse.
