Telegram ban in India is now a real possibility as the Indian government investigates the popular messaging app over concerns related to extortion and gambling. According to a report by Moneycontrol, the probe into Telegram could potentially lead to a ban depending on what the investigation uncovers.
The investigation is being carried out by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre, or I4C, which operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. These agencies are examining whether Telegram is being used for illegal activities, including extortion and gambling.
This scrutiny comes on the heels of a significant development involving Telegram’s founder and CEO, Pavel Durov. Durov was arrested in Paris on August 24. French authorities detained him in connection with the app’s policies on moderating content and its alleged failure to prevent criminal activities. The arrest has drawn criticism from notable figures, including tech billionaire Elon Musk and whistleblower Edward Snowden.
Telegram, which boasts over five million users in India, is under the spotlight as the government investigates how its platform is used for peer-to-peer communications, particularly focusing on illegal activities. The investigation’s outcome will determine whether the app faces a ban in India.
Telegram currently adheres to India’s Information Technology Rules, which require platforms to appoint key compliance officers and publish monthly reports. However, the lack of a physical office in India makes it challenging for the government to request user data and communicate directly with the company.
As the investigation continues, the future of Telegram in India hangs in the balance, with the potential for a ban depending on the results of the probe.