The recent arrest of Telegram’s CEO, Pavel Durov, in Paris has ignited significant debate regarding the app’s usage in India. This incident has raised alarms about potential misuse of the platform, leading Indian authorities to contemplate an investigation into the allegations.
Indian media reports indicate that Telegram is being utilized for illegal activities, including extortion and betting. In light of these claims, there is speculation that the Union Home Ministry and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology may initiate inquiries. Given Telegram’s widespread popularity in India, concerns are mounting over the possibility of a ban on the app.
The conversation around Telegram intensified when Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan mentioned the app in relation to the recent cancellation of the UGC-NET exam. The exam was abruptly called off due to an alleged question paper leak, which was reportedly disseminated on Telegram. Pradhan noted in a press conference that the leaked questions were found on the dark web, with Telegram being one of the platforms involved.
Telegram stands as one of the leading social media platforms in India, alongside Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, and WeChat. However, Durov’s arrest has brought renewed scrutiny to the platform.
Reports from French media indicate that Durov, a 39-year-old billionaire, was detained in Paris on Saturday evening due to allegations related to Telegram’s operations. He faces accusations of not adequately addressing criminal activities on the platform. Authorities have expressed concerns regarding Telegram’s alleged lack of cooperation in investigating serious issues such as drug trafficking, child sexual exploitation, and fraud. Telegram, for its part, has denied these allegations.
In response to the situation, Telegram has stated that its moderation practices align with industry standards and are continually being enhanced. The platform contends that it is unreasonable to hold a platform or its owner liable for misuse by its users, emphasizing that nearly one billion people utilize Telegram annually for communication and information sharing.
The arrest and ensuing discussions have also elicited mixed reactions on social media. While some users have shown support for Telegram, others have called for stricter regulations or even a ban on the platform. Anurag Shrivastav expressed skepticism about a potential ban, noting that millions of students depend on Telegram for UPSC exam preparation. Conversely, Vinod Singh advocated for a ban, citing the app’s alleged facilitation of illegal activities. Many users view the situation as a threat to free speech, while others, like Varsha, raised concerns about investment fraud associated with the platform.
As discussions and investigations unfold, the future of Telegram in India remains uncertain.