Telegram, a popular messaging app with nearly 950 million users globally, is under intense scrutiny in India due to its alleged involvement in a wide range of criminal activities, from exam paper leaks to financial scams.
The platform’s reputation for robust privacy features, including anonymity and encrypted messaging, has unfortunately made it a hub for illegal operations, complicating efforts by law enforcement to track and prosecute offenders.
Telegram’s Role in Exam Paper Leaks and Scandals
In recent months, Telegram has been at the centre of several high-profile exam paper leak scandals in India.
From UGC-NET to NEET-UG and state-level exams like MPPSC, Telegram has been used to circulate leaked question papers, leading to cancellations and significant public outcry.
The app’s ability to hide user identities has made it a preferred choice for such activities, where perpetrators can remain undetected by authorities.
In addition to exam-related misconduct, Telegram has been implicated in other serious crimes.
Investment fraud, extortion, and even child pornography have been traced back to groups operating on the platform.
For instance, a recent investigation by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) uncovered a stock price manipulation scheme facilitated via Telegram, where a group administrator earned hefty commissions by influencing stock prices.
Similarly, reports indicate that the app has been used for defrauding individuals, such as the case in Bhopal where conmen impersonated police officers and extorted ₹38 lakh from a local doctor.
The severity of these issues has prompted the Indian government to launch a thorough investigation.
The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) are leading the probe, focusing particularly on criminal activities like extortion and gambling that are facilitated through Telegram’s peer-to-peer communications.
The investigation could lead to a ban on the platform depending on its findings, especially since Telegram’s lack of a physical presence in India makes it challenging for authorities to enforce compliance with IT regulations.
The Arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov in France
The situation has escalated further following the arrest of Telegram’s CEO, Pavel Durov, in Paris on August 24, 2024.
French authorities detained Durov due to the platform’s failure to curb criminal activities, particularly the spread of child sexual abuse material.
His arrest has sparked international debate, with prominent figures in the tech community voicing concerns about the implications for free speech and privacy.
While Telegram has reiterated that it cannot be held responsible for the misuse of its platform, the ongoing investigations both in France and India suggest that stricter regulatory measures may be inevitable.
