India Investigates Telegram Amid Criminal Activity Claims

Telegram, the popular messaging app with over 950 million users globally and 5 million in India, is under investigation by the Indian government for its alleged role in facilitating criminal activities, including extortion, gambling, and exam paper leaks. This scrutiny follows the recent arrest of Telegram's CEO, Pavel Durov, in Paris over the app's moderation policies. The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), is leading the investigation, which may result in a ban depending on its findings. Telegram has been criticized for its security features that allow users to maintain anonymity, aiding the commission of crimes. Despite facing these challenges, Telegram maintains it complies with legal standards and EU laws. Notable figures like Elon Musk and Edward Snowden have criticized Durov's arrest, arguing it threatens digital privacy and freedom.