The Central government has accused messaging platform Telegram of becoming a hub for cybercrime, fraud and extremist activities, telling the Delhi High Court that the app has effectively turned into the “new dark web”.
The allegations were made in an affidavit filed before the court after Telegram challenged the government’s temporary ban on the platform. Defending the restriction, the Centre claimed Telegram’s privacy-focused architecture has made it a preferred platform for criminals and threat actors.
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Why is Telegram under scrutiny?
According to the affidavit, Telegram is allegedly being used for a wide range of illegal activities, including the circulation of leaked examination papers, cyber fraud, drug trafficking, child sexual exploitation material, terrorism-linked propaganda and financial crimes.
The government argued that Telegram allows users to conceal identifiers such as phone numbers and account details, making it difficult for law-enforcement agencies to identify offenders and trace criminal activity.
Officials also claimed that Telegram’s cloud-based structure and privacy settings create significant challenges for investigators.
Government flags security concerns
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that reports from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) repeatedly highlighted Telegram’s structural vulnerabilities.
According to the Centre, Telegram permits users to create multiple bots, allowing cybercriminals to quickly replace blocked accounts and continue illegal activities. Authorities claimed that even when suspicious channels or bots are removed, new ones emerge rapidly.
The affidavit further alleged that extremist organisations use Telegram channels to spread propaganda and misinformation. Authorities also expressed concern over channels allegedly distributing malware, stolen data and tools used in cyberattacks.
The government said Telegram channels have also been linked to the sale of mule bank accounts, data leaks and online scams.
The Delhi High Court is currently hearing the matter as Telegram challenges the government’s decision. The case is expected to have wider implications for digital privacy, online security and platform accountability in India.
