Telegram, a popular messaging app, has been facing increasing scrutiny from the Indian government due to its alleged involvement in facilitating criminal activities. While there have been rumors of a potential ban, the real truth behind these speculations is more complex.
The Indian government has launched an in-depth investigation into Telegram's operations to assess its role in illegal activities like extortion, gambling, and the spread of misinformation. The authorities are particularly concerned about the platform's ability to prevent the misuse of its services for criminal purposes.
This comes just a day after Telegram CEO Pavel Durov was arrested in France. According to reports, France's OFMIN, an office tasked with preventing violence against minors, had issued an arrest warrant for Telegram CEO in a preliminary investigation into alleged offences including fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organised crime and promotion of terrorism. French authorities have reported concerns about Telegram app's moderation policies and its alleged failure to prevent criminal activity.
The Indian government's investigation is being conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The authorities are particularly interested in how Telegram has been used for illegal activities like extortion and gambling. While a ban is not ruled out, the final decision will depend on the outcome of the investigation.
Is Telegram Really Banned In India?
The outcome of the government's investigation into Telegram will have a significant impact on the app's future in India. While Telegram currently complies with the country's Information Technology (IT) Rules, the probe may reveal whether these measures are sufficient to address the concerns raised.
If the investigation finds that Telegram has been complicit in facilitating criminal activities or has failed to adequately address concerns about the misuse of its platform, the government may impose stricter regulations or even consider a ban. However, if the app demonstrates a genuine commitment to improving its practices and addressing the authorities' concerns, it may be able to continue operating in India with additional oversight.
It's important to note that the Indian government's approach to regulating technology platforms has evolved in recent years. The government has become increasingly assertive in its efforts to control the spread of misinformation and prevent the misuse of digital platforms for harmful purposes.
The UGC-NEET Paper Leak Controversy and involvement of Telegram app
Telegram has faced criticism for its role in spreading misinformation and facilitating illegal activities. The recent UGC-NEET paper leak controversy, where the medical entrance exam paper was leaked and widely shared on the platform, has further intensified scrutiny. Reports suggest the paper was being sold for Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 on the platform.
Despite these challenges, Telegram has maintained its compliance with Indian laws. The company has appointed key officials and publishes monthly compliance reports. However, the government has expressed difficulties in dealing with Telegram due to its lack of a physical presence in India.
In October 2023, the IT ministry issued notices to Telegram and other social media firms, directing them to remove child sexual abuse material (CSAM) from their platforms.
Why Was Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Arrested in France?
Telegram's founder and CEO, Pavel Durov, was arrested in Paris on August 24. This arrest, which has drawn criticism from prominent figures like Elon Musk and Edward Snowden, is related to the app's content moderation practices. Durov was detained at Le Bourget airport after arriving from Baku, Azerbaijan.
The arrest stems from a search warrant issued by France's Office for Minors, which is investigating him for alleged involvement in various criminal activities, including fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organized crime, and the promotion of terrorism.
The investigation into Durov is particularly focused on the app's failure to prevent drug trafficking and other criminal activities, according to reports by French media outlets TF1 and BFMTV. Durov, who spends most of his time outside of Europe, had been a relatively rare visitor to France, making his recent arrest a significant development.
Telegram has become a crucial platform for information — both reliable and misleading — since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. It is used by key political figures, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as well as by the Kremlin and Russian government, to communicate and disseminate news about the ongoing conflict.
About the Author:
Rohit Kumar
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