New Delhi: The Indian government has come down hard on messaging platform Telegram. An affidavit filed by the Indian Government before Delhi High Court. The government says that the app now functioning as a dark web and has become a go-to platform for criminals, cyber fraudsters, extremist groups and terror-linked actors who want to stay out of law enforcement’s reach. As per reports, the affidavit lays out a long and serious list of alleged misuse including exam paper leaks, drug trafficking, child exploitation material, terrorism propaganda and large-scale financial fraud.
Criminals using Telegram to access Dark Web?
The government’s core argument is that Telegram has become a bridge to the dark web. Criminals are posting links on Telegram channels that connect to dark web forums through deep web links. This makes it extremely hard for investigators to track who is behind what. The privacy features built into Telegram are the main reason it has become so attractive to criminal networks. Users can hide their phone numbers and Telegram IDs through privacy settings. That makes it very difficult for agencies to find out who is actually running these accounts and channels.
How this is prompting the exam leaks, drugs, terror and child abuse?
The affidavit covers a wide range of criminal activity allegedly happening on the platform. Leaked examination papers including NEET have reportedly been circulated through Telegram. Drug trafficking networks are using it to coordinate. Extremist groups and entities linked to terrorist organizations are spreading violent content and misinformation to destabilize public order. Among the most serious allegations is the circulation of Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material through Telegram channels. The government says this remains a major concern for enforcement agencies.
Is cyber fraud on the rise?
The Centre cited data from the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal showing a sharp rise in complaints where Telegram has been used as a medium for cyber fraud. Fraudsters are creating fake accounts with false identities to carry out financial scams, publish stolen data and coordinate cyber offences. Telegram channels are also allegedly being used to buy and sell mule bank accounts. These accounts are used to receive and move money obtained through cybercrime and money laundering.
How malware and hacker groups are activated?
The affidavit goes further. Hacker groups and cyber threat actors are using Telegram to coordinate attacks, share stolen data and distribute malicious tools. Some harmful Android applications are using Telegram as a command-and-control platform to steal victims’ data and device information. The government cited specific examples of Telegram channels advertising malware services, tools to bypass Google Play Protect and malware disguised as financial apps. One channel was promoting tools to make malicious APK files undetectable to security systems. Another was advertising malware dressed up as a payment app.
Personal data of citizens being sold?
Telegram bots are allegedly being used to give access to citizens’ personal data including mobile numbers and Aadhaar details pulled from previously leaked databases. This puts millions of ordinary people at risk without them ever knowing their data is being traded on the platform.
Piracy also flagged?
Beyond crime and terror, the Centre also raised the issue of piracy. Telegram channels are being widely used to distribute pirated movies, web series and other copyrighted content. This is causing direct financial losses to content creators and raises serious intellectual property concerns.
The affidavit represents the government’s formal position before the Delhi High Court on the risks posed by Telegram and is expected to play a central role in the ongoing proceedings.
