Will India ban Telegram amid CEO Pavel Durov’s arrest? Child porn, exam paper leak, stock manipulation and other allegations- The Week

Telegram app is staring at a potential ban in India over alleged role in criminal activities amid its CEO Pavel Durov’s arrest in Paris over allegations that his app was used for child pornography, money laundering and drug trafficking.
The French authorities are probing Durov for failing to address criminal activities on the app and the lack of moderators on the platform.
The app has been allegedly linked to criminal cases related to circulation of leaked exam papers and stock market manipulation in India. In April 2023, Sebi imposed Rs 5.68 crore on three Telegram channels and barred six people from the securities market.
In June 2023, the UGC NET exam was cancelled after question paper was leaked on Telegram. However, in connection with the NEET UG exam paper leak, the National Testing Agency told the Supreme Court in July that the video showing a photo of the paper leaked on Telegram was fake.
The IT ministry has asked the Home Affairs ministry to check on complaints pending against Telegram and sought update on what actions can be taken, reported PTI citing sources.
“The basic question here is are there any complaints, is there similar situation in India, and what is the status, and what action is required,” according to sources quoted by the news agency.
The Centre has launched an extortion and gambling investigation into the company and is looking into Telegram’s P2P communications, reported Moneycontrol.