Is Telegram going to be shut down in India? Telegram CEO arrested in Paris on the grounds of extortion

Telegram Faces Uncertainty in India Amid CEO's Arrest on Extortion Charges in Paris

Written by: Supriya Kadu

Edited by: Omkar Devadkar

Last Updated: August 27, 2024

Summary: Telegram is being investigated by Indian authorities for possible gambling and extortion. A ban could result from an I4C probe under MHA and MeitY.

According to Moneycontrol, the Indian government is looking into the messaging app Telegram because of worries that it's being used for illicit purposes, including gambling and extortion. Depending on the investigation's results, the app might be banned.

Under the guidance of the Ministries of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Home Affairs (MHA), the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) is conducting the inquiry.

According to the reports, "The government is probing Telegram over its alleged misuse in illicit activities like extortion and gambling, a government official said, adding that the messaging app could be banned depending on the probe’s findings".

The CEO of Telegram, Pavel Durov, was detained in France the day before. A preliminary investigation into alleged offenses involving fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organized crime, and the promotion of terrorism has reportedly led to the issuance of an arrest warrant for Telegram CEO by France's OFMIN, an institution responsible for preventing violence against minors. The French authorities have expressed concerns regarding the Telegram app's moderation guidelines and its alleged inability to stop illegal activities.

Will Telegram be banned in India?

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) are leading the inquiry on behalf of the Indian government.

The way Telegram has been used for illicit operations like gambling and extortion has drawn the curiosity of the police. The investigation's outcome will determine the ultimate decision, though a ban is not completely out of the question.

Telegram has been under fire for aiding criminal activity and disseminating false information. This attention has been further heightened by the recent UGC-NEET issue, in which the medical entrance exam paper was leaked and extensively shared on the site. The paper was traded for anywhere from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 on the platform.

Telegram continues to argue that it complies with Indian laws, despite these challenges. The business releases monthly compliance reports and has designated a chief compliance officer and a nodal officer. However, because Telegram doesn't have a physical presence in India, the government has stated that dealing with it has been problematic.