By Nandini Bhatnagar
Troubles only seem to be mounting for Telegram’s CEO Pavel Durov who was arrested in France a day ago. The messaging app is facing rising scrutiny in India, which is its largest market. 22% of the app’s global downloads are in India. Till August 2021, there were over 200 million total downloads. Accused of being involved in criminal activities, what lies ahead for Telegram?
A potential ban
Only if certain charges against the company come true. A probe, to investigate Telegram’s involvement in criminal involvement, has been launched by the Indian government. Findings of this probe might lead to a potential ban on Telegram.
Charges against Telegram in India
There are quite a few. Selling fake sim cards, Cyber frauds, child pornography and fake investment scams are some of the allegations that the government is probing. Telegram also faces charges for promoting obscenity and violating copyrights through the app. Reportedly, Telegram has not been cooperating with India during previous investigations.
Past criminal activities
Telegram was allegedly involved in the NEET exam leak controversy in May this year. Reportedly, the platform was used to share exam questions with the candidates. Certain questions of the NET UGC exam this year were shared with the candidates prior to the exam. The exam was cancelled just a day after lakhs of students took it, over paper leak reports.
In July, SEBI uncovered details of a stock price rigging racket operating on Telegram. The owner of a group was charged for receiving 20 lakh rupees in commission from a listed steel sheet manufacturing firm.
Charges against Telegram’s CEO
The app’s CEO has been detained in France on charges of various offences. These include fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organised crime, and promotion of terrorism. The French government has flagged concerns about the app’s moderation policies as well.