Telegram is currently under investigation by the Indian government due to concerns about its involvement in illegal activities, particularly gambling and extortion. This inquiry is being conducted by the Indian CyberCrime Coordination Centre (I4C), which operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), in conjunction with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

Depending on the outcomes of this investigation, there is a potential for Telegram to be banned in India, where it boasts over 104.4 million downloads and 87 million active users.

Controversies Surrounding Gambling and Extortion: Telegram’s Response to Legal Pressure

gambling and extortion
Image Source: Reason Magazine

The investigation was initiated following the recent arrest of Telegram's founder and CEO, Pavel Durov, in Paris on August 24, 2024. French authorities apprehended Pavel Durov based on allegations that the platform did not sufficiently moderate or prevent criminal activities. Reports suggest that his arrest is connected to the app's moderation policies, which are being criticized for their ineffectiveness in addressing illegal activities taking place on the platform.

The arrest of Pavel Durov has garnered significant international attention, with prominent individuals such as Edward Snowden and Elon Musk expressing their disapproval of the measures taken against him. They contend that these actions threaten freedom of speech and communication.

The investigation by the Indian government is particularly concentrated on peer-to-peer (P2P) communications on Telegram, which have been linked to various criminal activities, including,
Extortion: Reports are indicating that Telegram has been utilized as a platform for extortion schemes, where users take advantage of the platform's anonymity to prey on victims.
Gambling: Allegations have emerged that illegal gambling operations are being carried out through Telegram channels, contributing to an increase in organized crime associated with the application.

Furthermore, Telegram was involved in the recent UGC-NEET controversy, where a leaked medical entrance exam paper was reportedly sold on the platform for prices ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000. This incident sparked considerable public outrage and prompted intervention from the Supreme Court of India.

A significant challenge confronting Indian authorities is the absence of Telegram's physical operations within India. This lack of a local presence hinders the ability to request user data and directly communicate with the company, thereby complicating the investigation of purported criminal activities. Although Telegram complies with India's Information Technology (IT) Rules, which mandate the appointment of local compliance officers and the publication of monthly reports, the absence of local operations presents considerable obstacles for law enforcement agencies.

In light of the ongoing investigation and the arrest of Pavel Durov, Telegram released a statement affirming its compliance with European Union regulations, including the Digital Services Act. The company highlighted that it cannot be held accountable for any misuse of its platform by users. Representatives from Telegram asserted that Pavel Durov has "nothing to hide" and reiterated the company's commitment to addressing the situation swiftly.

The investigation results may result in significant consequences for Telegram in India. Should the evidence confirm the claims of illegal activities, the Indian government might opt to ban the application, thereby complicating its operations in one of its most substantial markets. A government representative noted that the ultimate decision will be contingent upon the evidence gathered throughout the investigation.

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