NEW DELHI: The Central government on Thursday informed the Delhi High Court that the messaging platform Telegram is increasingly being used for various illegal activities, including cyberattacks, drug trafficking, circulation of child sexual abuse material and examination fraud networks.
The submission came during hearings related to Telegram’s challenge against the government’s temporary restrictions imposed on the platform in India. Authorities defended their actions by arguing that Telegram’s structure, anonymity features and massive channel system have made it a preferred destination for organised criminal groups.
During the court proceedings, government lawyers reportedly described Telegram as a “new dark web”, saying that criminals are finding it easier to operate without detection. Officials argued that the platform’s design makes tracing offenders difficult, thereby creating serious challenges for law enforcement agencies.
According to the Centre, Telegram has been extensively misused to coordinate cyberattacks, circulate illegal content and facilitate drug transactions. Authorities also claimed that several groups involved in examination paper leaks and educational scams have been operating openly on the platform.
The legal battle intensified after the government temporarily restricted access to Telegram until June 22 amid concerns surrounding the upcoming NEET re-examination scheduled for June 21. Officials feared that examination papers and fraudulent material could once again spread through Telegram channels, potentially compromising the integrity of one of India’s largest entrance examinations.
Government records indicate that multiple Telegram channels were allegedly advertising access to leaked question papers and offering exam-related material in exchange for money. Authorities argued that despite repeated warnings, such activities continued to emerge on the platform.
Telegram, however, has strongly opposed the government’s actions and moved the Delhi High Court seeking relief. The company argued that the temporary ban violates constitutional protections, including freedom of speech and users’ rights to communication.
In its legal filings, Telegram said it has already implemented several proactive measures to tackle unlawful content. The company stated that it removed more than 900 links associated with illegal NEET-related activities and deployed artificial intelligence tools to identify harmful material.
Telegram also objected to the government’s characterisation of its internal moderation efforts. According to reports, the company accused authorities of presenting inaccurate records of previous meetings between government officials and platform representatives.
Documents reviewed by international media showed that tensions had escalated following discussions between India’s Information Technology Ministry and Telegram executives earlier this month. The government accused Telegram of not acting quickly enough against suspicious channels promoting exam leaks. Telegram responded that it had never been inactive and that it continuously monitors and removes unlawful content.
The controversy also highlights a broader debate around encrypted communication platforms globally. Telegram currently has around 150 million users in India, making the country its largest market. The platform’s ability to host groups containing up to 200,000 members and permit interactions without revealing personal phone numbers has contributed to its popularity. However, critics argue these same features can also be exploited by criminals.
This is not the first time Telegram has faced legal scrutiny in India. In 2022, the Delhi High Court directed the company to disclose details of certain users accused of illegally sharing copyrighted educational material. The ruling demonstrated that Indian courts are increasingly demanding accountability from digital platforms.
Globally, Telegram has also encountered criticism over the years regarding its moderation policies. Various international investigations have alleged that the platform has been used for distributing illegal content, coordinating illicit activities and spreading harmful material, although Telegram has repeatedly stated that it actively removes such content and cooperates with legitimate law enforcement requests.
The current dispute could become a landmark case in India’s evolving approach towards regulating large technology platforms. It also reflects a growing global challenge: balancing digital privacy and free expression against concerns related to criminal misuse and public safety.
The Delhi High Court is expected to continue hearing arguments from both sides before deciding whether the temporary restrictions should remain in place or be lifted. The outcome may significantly influence future government policies governing encrypted messaging applications operating in India.
