Telegram held accountable by Indian court for posting stolen data, called ‘safe space’ for criminals by cyberspace expert

Telegram has become a frequent site for cybercriminals to pull out crimes easily. With its feature to encrypt last message and easy to access, the app has allured number of criminals. Investigation carried by cyber intelligence group Cyberint and The Financial Times confirmed that the rise in usage of Telegram by criminals has risen up to 100 per cent. App has multiple channels and content for various kind that is a threat to peace and harmony. It has also been used for communication by terrorists in many cases. As per the complaint, particular platform is promoting terrorism and child pornography.  

In 2019, a state police in India submitted affidavit to ban Telegram app for consequent reasons. While mentioning in High Court, Indian Police asked app should be accountable to law enforcement agencies in criminal cases as the criminals enjoys the anonymity, instant messaging app offers and making a safe space for criminals. Unlike other apps, telegram allows users to hide their numbers from group admins and can use their ‘user id’ for addressing. A lot of cases in India disclosed telegram as a communication medium for criminals, recently. The fact that it makes quite difficult for police to trace numbers through the app, makes it a den of criminals.  

Not long ago, Indian High Court has ordered Telegram app to disclose detailed information about channels that are involved in copyright violation issues after the app argued that it will be against their user’s privacy policy. Indian cyberspace expert Gauravi Pandey explained what is the matter and why it is important. She said, ‘High Court has asked Telegram to submit the details of the channels that have been indulged in any form of activities breaching copyright. Details like mobile number, Ip address and email address are included in the order. Although app has not confirmed yet about the next step, but every other expert working in this sector agrees with me, that Telegram has enough capability to carry any illegal activity without a trace.’ Order came after an established coaching Centre and its founder filed case of uploading their content without their consent online via telegram platform.  

According to Gauravi, telegram has attracted number of users due to its privacy policies and kind of content. ‘We have seen high rise in number of users on this platform due to its privacy policies that have become a challenge for other apps. And privacy is an important feature that every user demands in today’s time. Platform also offers diverse content, entertainment, education, digital newspapers. It is a cloud-based messaging app that runs on any device. It doesn’t have any subscription option and is completely free with security that is what an individual with a crime mind demands’, she said. App is on fire and is criticized defining it as a favorite platform of extremist groups to communicate. Available information says, Brazilian court this year ordered Google and Apple stores to ban telegram app as it is being used to spread misinformation.  

On asking why tracking people using Telegram is not easy, as there is always something new with technology, expert Pandey said, ‘Yes, technology is developing every day let’s say. But again, Ip address, email address, mobile numbers these are the information that helps in tracking, if nothing is provided to cyber security, it becomes difficult for us. And the platform has massive reach after the pandemic, making content available to every individual at free of cost.’ Particular application allows a user to create rooms for people to chat and share. The number can reach up to 2 lakhs individuals. VpnMentor, an organization on Internet Security revealed that cyber criminals are shifting to Telegram to exchange and discuss big data leaks, exposing millions of users to unmatched level of online frauds, hacking and attack.  

Cyberspace expert Gauravi Pandey advised people on using Telegram. Through EAT news she said, ‘It has been advised number of times to people to not share any kind of personal information over social media platforms. Avoid sharing any details or even images or documents. Virtual space is good to an extent. Also don’t join any channels that may look or sound suspicious or spread any kind of misleading information on Telegram. Immediately contact nearest police stations regarding it.’  

Undoubtedly, criminals and terrorists use encrypted form of communication, to encourage violence, recruit new members, coordinate terrorist activity or fundraise, that application like Telegram allows easily. According to Counter extremism project, ”Terrorist organization ISIS has encouraged its followers on twitter and other social media platforms to connect with coordinators and recruiters on Telegram to discuss sensitive matters such as travel to ISIS held territory’. App has chosen to remain silent on presence of such public and private channels. Although, Indian court has held Telegram accountable, for other purpose, terrorism is another emerging problem for the world via this app.