Telegram Unlikely to Face Immediate Ban in India Amid Compliance with IT Rules
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/27th August 2024
Despite recent scrutiny, Telegram, the widely-used messaging platform, is not currently at risk of being banned in India, according to sources within the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The platform has been under the spotlight following allegations that it was used in the recent NEET-UG paper leak, raising concerns about its compliance with India’s Information Technology (IT) rules. However, MHA sources have confirmed to Republic that Telegram is fully compliant with these regulations, which is crucial for its continued operation in the country.
The concerns surrounding Telegram’s compliance emerged amid broader discussions about the platform’s role in facilitating illegal activities. Telegram’s scrutiny is not limited to India; the app is also facing legal challenges in other countries. For instance, Telegram CEO Pavel Durov was recently arrested in France on charges related to his platform’s alleged involvement in organized crime. This international scrutiny has added to the pressure on Telegram to ensure that it adheres to local laws and regulations, particularly in countries like India, where digital platforms are under constant evaluation.
In discussions with Republic, sources from the MHA made it clear that Telegram’s compliance with IT rules is not in question. “If Telegram would not have been compliant, then it would not be allowed. So yes, the platform is compliant with the IT rules,” the sources confirmed. This statement underscores the importance of regulatory compliance for any digital platform operating within India’s borders, especially as the country continues to strengthen its control over digital and social media platforms.
The issue of banning platforms like Telegram, however, remains contingent on the findings of ongoing investigations. MHA sources highlighted that platforms without a significant presence in India pose challenges in terms of regulation and control. The decision to ban a platform like Telegram, similar to the previous ban on TikTok, will depend on the outcome of these investigations. “Whether it can be banned or not can only be decided based on what comes out of the investigation,” the sources stated, indicating that the situation remains fluid.
Currently, the primary focus of the investigation is on the alleged misuse of Telegram in the NEET-UG paper leak scandal. Sources from the Ministry of Education have confirmed that a formal complaint was lodged with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) following a statement from the Education Minister. This complaint pointed to a potential link between the NEET-UG paper leak and the use of the dark web, with Telegram being one of the platforms allegedly used for distributing the leaked exam papers. “Telegram was one platform on which papers were distributed, and so obviously it would be looked into. The exact status of the investigation, however, is not known,” the sources added.
As the investigation continues, the future of Telegram in India remains uncertain. While the platform is currently compliant with IT rules, the outcome of the ongoing investigation into the NEET-UG paper leak will play a crucial role in determining whether any further action will be taken against Telegram. For now, the emphasis is on ensuring that all digital platforms operating in India maintain the necessary regulatory standards to provide a safe and secure digital environment for users.
