Indian Government Investigates Telegram for Criminal Activity

The Indian government has initiated an investigation into the messaging application Telegram, focusing on its alleged involvement in facilitating criminal activities such as extortion and gambling.

This investigation follows the recent arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov in France. Reports indicate that Durov was arrested based on an office tasked with preventing violence against minors, which issued an arrest warrant against him for various offenses including fraud, drug trafficking, and organized crime.

The authorities in India are particularly concerned about how Telegram has been used in illegal operations, with specific attention given to the recent UGC-NEET paper leak scandal. The leaked exam paper was reportedly being sold on the platform for prices ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000.

The investigation is being conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. While a potential ban on the platform is not ruled out, the final decision will depend on the findings of the ongoing inquiry.

Despite the scrutiny, Telegram has claimed compliance with Indian laws. The company recently appointed a nodal officer and a chief compliance officer, and it publishes monthly compliance reports. However, government officials have expressed challenges in addressing issues with Telegram due to its lack of a physical presence in India.

Additionally, in October 2023, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issued notices to Telegram and other social media platforms, instructing them to remove child sexual abuse material from their services.