The Telegram App Ban in India?

Telegram, the popular messaging app, is under increasing scrutiny from the Indian government for its alleged involvement in facilitating criminal activities, including extortion and gambling. A report from Moneycontrol indicates that the government has initiated an investigation into these claims, with a potential ban on the app depending on the findings.

This scrutiny follows the recent arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov in France, where he faces charges related to fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organized crime, and the promotion of terrorism. French authorities have raised concerns about Telegram’s moderation policies and its effectiveness in preventing criminal activities.

In India, the investigation is being led by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), focusing on how the platform has been utilized for illegal activities. The government’s decision regarding a ban will hinge on the investigation’s outcomes.

Telegram has previously faced criticism for enabling misinformation and illegal activities, notably highlighted by the UGC-NEET exam paper leak scandal, where the leaked paper was reportedly sold on the platform for prices ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000.

Despite these challenges, Telegram asserts its compliance with Indian laws, having appointed a nodal officer and a chief compliance officer, along with publishing monthly compliance reports. However, the government has expressed difficulties in addressing issues with Telegram due to its absence of a physical presence in India. In October 2023, the IT ministry issued notices to Telegram and other social media platforms, demanding the removal of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) from their services.