Telegram is banning? Get to know all legal allegations against telegram.

 

The Indian government is currently investigating the messaging app Telegram over concerns that it is being used for activities such as extortion and gambling, as reported by Moneycontrol. The investigation, led 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 result in a ban on the app, depending on the findings.

This scrutiny follows the recent arrest of Telegram’s founder and CEO, Pavel Durov, in Paris on August 24. The arrest was reportedly related to the app’s moderation policies, including its alleged failure to prevent criminal activities on the platform. The arrest has drawn criticism from tech billionaire Elon Musk and whistleblower Edward Snowden.

The decision on whether to ban Telegram in India will hinge on the outcome of the ongoing investigation. Notably, Telegram complies with India’s Information Technology (IT) Rules, which mandate that platforms appoint a nodal officer, a chief compliance officer, and publish monthly compliance reports.

Despite this compliance, Telegram has faced criticism for its role in facilitating illegal activities and spreading misinformation. The recent UGC-NEET controversy, where the medical entrance exam paper was leaked and allegedly sold on the platform for amounts ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000, has further intensified government scrutiny.

Telegram has consistently maintained that it operates within the bounds of Indian law, having appointed a nodal officer and a chief compliance officer, along with regularly publishing compliance reports. However, the Indian government has expressed difficulties in dealing with Telegram due to its lack of a physical presence in the country.

In October 2023, the IT Ministry issued notices to Telegram and other social media platforms, directing them to remove child sexual abuse material (CSAM) from their platforms. As the investigation unfolds, the future of Telegram in India remains uncertain, contingent on the findings and the government’s final decision.