- By Shivam Shandilya
- Tue, 27 Aug 2024 06:45 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Telegram Ban Updates: The Telegram application, which is the second most popular messaging app after WhatsApp, might face a ban in India. The development of the application, which has over 5 million registered users in India, has come to light following the recent arrest of its CEO and Founder Pavel Durov in Paris. The union government, now on high alert, has initiated an investigation to determine whether Telegram is violating any regulations in India. According to several media reports, the Ministry of Information Technology has sought details from the Ministry of Home Affairs as part of this inquiry.
The ban on Telegram could significantly impact a large user base. The social media platform has surpassed 1 billion downloads on the Play Store, which offers several features that set it apart from other messaging apps like WhatsApp.
The central government has not yet announced any major action against Telegram. However, there is a rising demand for strict regulations and monitoring due to the illegal activities being carried out from this platform.
According to a News18 quoting media report, two men from Bhopal in May were arrested for allegedly cheating a local doctor of Rs 38 lakh. They had used Telegram to pose as a police officer and made fake interrogations to carry out the scam.
Recently, the UGC-NET exam was cancelled a day after it was conducted due to a question paper leak on Telegram. Similarly, in NEET-UG, applicants reportedly received question papers before the exam, which led to a massive row in the country. The row prompted an investigation by the CBI, and the Supreme Court also intervened in the matter.
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Detained In France
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov was detained in France on August 24. The French authorities are investigating Durov for failing to adequately address criminal activities on the platform, including the spread of child sexual abuse material. The news has led to global attention to the challenges Telegram presents for law enforcement and digital content moderation.
According to Live Mint, the Paris prosecutor announced on August 26 that the probe into the Durov involves allegations of illicit transactions, child pornography, fraud, and failure to provide information to authorities. Responding to the allegations, Telegram reiterated its stance, “It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner is responsible for the abuse of that platform."