The arrest of Telegram's chief executive, Pavel Durov, in Paris has sparked intense discussions about the app in India. This has raised concerns over its potential misuse in the country, prompting Indian authorities to consider investigating these allegations.
Reports have surfaced in Indian media alleging that Telegram is being used for illegal activities such as extortion and betting. In response, there is speculation that the Union Home Ministry and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology may launch an investigation into these claims. Given Telegram's popularity in India, these developments have led to growing concern on whether the app might face a ban in the country.
Leaked questions shared on Telegram
The debate around Telegram gained further traction after Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan referenced the app in the context of the recent UGC-NET exam cancellation. The exam was called off within 24 hours due to an alleged question paper leak, which was reportedly circulated on Telegram. During a press conference, Pradhan mentioned that the leaked questions were found on the dark web, and Telegram was one of the platforms where they were shared.
Telegram ranks among the most popular social media platforms in India, following the likes of Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, and WeChat. However, the arrest of Durov has brought fresh scrutiny to the platform.
Durov accused of of failing to curb criminal activities on the platform
French media reported that Durov, a 39-year-old billionaire, was taken into custody in Paris on Saturday evening. The arrest was reportedly linked to activities associated with Telegram, with Durov facing accusations of failing to curb criminal activities on the platform. Authorities have raised concerns about Telegram's alleged lack of cooperation in investigating cases of drug trafficking, child sexual content, and fraud. Telegram, however, has denied these allegations.
'It is strangr to hold a platform or its owner accountable for its misuse by users'
In a statement, Telegram emphasized that its moderation practices are in line with industry standards and are continuously improving. The platform argued that it is unreasonable to hold a platform or its owner accountable for the misuse of the platform by its users. The statement noted that nearly one billion people use Telegram annually for communication and information exchange.
Reactions on social media
The arrest and the subsequent discussions have also sparked reactions on social media. Some users have voiced support for Telegram, while others have called for stricter regulation or even a ban on the platform.
Anurag Shrivastav, for instance, expressed doubts about a potential ban, pointing out that millions of students rely on Telegram for UPSC preparation. On the other hand, Vinod Singh argued that the platform should be banned due to its lack of regulation and the illegal activities it allegedly hosts. Many others viewed the situation as an attack on free speech, while one user Varsha highlighted concerns about investment fraud on the platform.
The future of Telegram in India remains uncertain as discussions and investigations continue.
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