Nirjher Kumar Patel
On August 24, French authorities arrested Telegram CEO Pavel Durov. This event, along with an ongoing investigation by the Indian government, has brought the platform under heavy scrutiny. Many are now wondering if Telegram can overcome this crisis and emerge stronger, or if it will become further entangled in the web of allegations it currently faces. Durov was arrested in Paris after allegations surfaced that his platform was being used for money laundering, drug trafficking, and child pornography. Additionally, there are claims that the platform did not share information with authorities.
In light of this, let us explore few positive as well as negative aspects of this app, so that we can gain clarity on whether such a ban is needed or justified.
Positive Aspects
User Base, Data Sharing, and Privacy
Created by two brothers in 2013, Telegram is now the third-largest messaging platform, with over 800 million users worldwide. The app is known for its willingness to experiment with new features, some of which have become so popular that they’ve been adopted by other messaging apps. In countries like India, Brazil, and Indonesia, Telegram has even become a household name for communication. One reason for its popularity is how customizable and accessible the app is across various platforms.
Telegram offers many privacy controls as well. For example, if calls from certain contacts are not welcome, they can be added to exceptions in the settings. Privacy controls can also be set for phone numbers, profile photos, and last seen status. On top of that, Premium users can control who can send voice messages as well.
Data sharing between users is much faster and more accessible across devices compared to other messaging apps. Regarding advertising, Telegram does not use user data for personalized ads. Instead, advertisers can send promotional content to public channels based on the channel’s topic, theoretically safeguarding user privacy.
A source of learning
One of the most significant advantages of Telegram is its impact on developing and least-developed countries, such as India. Amid the Jio revolution, Telegram has become a vital tool for education, skill training, professional courses, and personal interests. Yes, we know the government has been promising to make efforts to make education accessible all over the country, but we also know about its limited implementation and success. However, apps like Telegram have helped bridge this gap. Courses that would typically cost lakhs of rupees are available for free on this platform, which allows even underprivileged people to access valuable resources for enhancing their skills.
A Platform for Business and Entertainment
While WhatsApp is primarily used for one-on-one communication and has largely replaced traditional messaging, Telegram serves as a platform for sharing files, creating groups for small businesses, and exchanging notes. Both applications coexist, offering distinct functionalities. It provides entertainment to those who may not have access to paid resources, although this might also be seen as a negative aspect by those who are vehemently against piracy.
Negative Aspects
Criminal Activity
Telegram has also been known to communication tool among various extremist and criminal groups. The most annoying aspect of the app is its lack of effective moderation, which has turned the platform into a hub for cybercriminals. Shockingly, instructional materials and resources on phishing and hacking, typically confined to the dark web, are now openly available on public Telegram channels under the guise of educational content.
Porn and illicit content
And unfortunately, porn videos including leaked videos also flourish on the app. Tracking such illegal activity becomes nearly impossible due to the anonymity Telegram provides. Scams, particularly pyramid schemes and betting frauds, are rampant in this app, causing innocent people to lose their hard-earned money.
Scams Have Become the Norm
The open nature of Telegram, combined with the anonymity it offers, has significantly contributed to the rise of the scam industry. In many countries, including India, factors such as illiteracy and misinformation, naïve and innocent people, particularly the elderly, are often easy targets for scammers. Telegram allows scammers to operate with minimal risk of being caught. And due to the anonymity, the platform offers, it is hard to hold these scammers accountable, and it allows them to restart their operations easily if they face any setbacks.
Privacy Debate and Government Intervention
In the Puttuswamy case, the Supreme Court declared the Right to Privacy a fundamental right. However, at the same time, the misuse of data and criminal activities through such apps may support the government’s argument for increased intervention.
In conclusion, despite the rise in cybercrime, it is also important to remember that both privacy and national security must work hand in hand, and if any restrictions are imposed, they need to be reasonable. It must be ensured that the safety, security and privacy of the people is respected, and not violated in the name of destroying cybercrime.
