Is Telegram Banned in India? France Arrested CEO Pavel Durov
The recent arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov by the French authorities shocked its users. It has been reported that Telegram has more than 950 million monthly active users. The highest users of this messaging app are Indian citizens. This app has been widely used for various purposes like broadcasting through channels, group chats, and private conversations.
However, India is on the verge of facing a ban on Telegram due to allegations of criminal activities. This includes money laundering, paper leakage, extortion, gambling, and many other offences. But still, the allegations are not confirmed. After confirmation, India may face a ban on Telegram in India.
What is Telegram and Who is Pavel Durov?
Telegram is an instant messaging (IM) service that allows users to send text messages, photos, videos, and files. It is known for its strong focus on privacy and security, using end-to-end encryption for most of its communications. Telegram is also popular for its features like channels (broadcast groups), bots (automated programs), and secret chats (disappearing messages).
Pavel Durov: The Founder of Telegram
Pavel Durov is a Russian entrepreneur and the founder of Telegram. Durov has a reputation for being outspoken and has clashed with Russian authorities over censorship and control of his platforms.
Pavel Durov was born in Russia and spent his childhood in Italy. He has acquired citizenship in the UAE, Russia, France, and the Caribbean Islands nation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
He was arrested in Paris over allegations that his platform is being used for illicit activities such as drug trafficking and the distribution of child sexual abuse images.
However, the owner of Telegram has denied the allegation against him and the platform.
Will India Ban Telegram?
While India has expressed concerns about the misuse of Telegram for spreading misinformation and hate speech. However, there is no concrete indication that the government is planning to ban the platform.
Although, the Indian government is verifying the allegation over the telegram for various crimes in India. So, it depends on the result as to how the Indian officials are going to deal with Telegram.
These are the recent cases which raise the outrage of the authorities of India to take Telegram into serious account.
Firstly, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) uncovered a stock price manipulation scheme through the Telegram app on July 24th. An administrator of a Telegram group was charged with receiving ₹20 lakh in commission for manipulating the stock prices of a steel sheet manufacturing firm.
Secondly, in the beginning of May two persons residing in Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh were detained for deceiving a local doctor by swiping ₹ 38 lakh. They acted as police officers and conducted pseudo-questioning.
This is not done yet, there are criminal activities in the education field also which spoil the time of many meritorious students. As of 19th June around 90,000 students who were going to attend the exam of UGC NET face cancellation. This is again due to the reason that the paper got leaked on the telegram.
In addition to this, NEET UG students got the paper in advance via this messaging app. Such heinous activities put a question on governance and law. Due to these reasons, officials are investigating every aspect to verify everything. That is why the Indian government can ban telegrams in the nation.
Why French Officials Arrested Telegram CEO Pavel Durov?
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov was travelling from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Le Bourget airport near Paris where French Officials took him into custody. The Office for Minors (OFMIN) in France, looking into allegations of his involvement in fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organised crime, and terrorism promotion, obtained a search order that led to his detention.