Telegram is the new dark web: Centre mounts aggressive defence in Delhi HC

The Indian government has taken a firm stance in its legal battle over the temporary blocking of the messaging platform Telegram, asserting that it has transformed into what officials describe as the “new dark web.” This characterization highlights concerns about the platform being a haven for cybercriminals, fraudsters, and other malicious actors who exploit its anonymity features.

During a recent hearing at the Delhi High Court, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta presented the government’s case before Justice Tejas Karia. He emphasized that the intervention was motivated by issues extending beyond the current controversy surrounding the Neet-UG re-examination. The Centre contends that Telegram’s architecture and privacy settings have made it a preferred medium for various illegal activities.

Centre alleges Telegram has become a hub for cybercrime

The government’s assertions paint a troubling picture of Telegram’s alleged misuse. Officials informed the court that the platform has become a conduit connecting traditional cybercriminal networks with dark web ecosystems. They argued that while the potential for paper leaks is a significant concern, it is merely one of many illicit activities facilitated by the platform.

“Telegram has become the new dark web, linking threat actors,” the government stated. They indicated that criminal groups increasingly utilize Telegram channels to share links to hidden forums, complicating attribution and investigations for law enforcement agencies. The Centre further claimed that the platform’s privacy controls enable users to obscure key identifiers, making it difficult to ascertain the true identities behind accounts. Although every account is linked to a phone number in the backend, users can conceal this information through Telegram’s settings.

Authorities highlighted that cybercriminals often exploit fake identities to execute financial scams and distribute databases obtained through breaches. The Centre noted a rise in complaints logged on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal related to Telegram-linked fraud.

According to the government’s submissions, closed groups on the platform are allegedly used to trade mule bank accounts that facilitate money laundering and cyber-enabled financial crimes. Investigators also flagged the misuse of Indian banking channels, fintech systems, UPI handles, and cryptocurrency off-ramps.

Allegations range from terrorism to malware distribution

The government’s claims extend well beyond financial fraud. They reported that Telegram is being exploited for a variety of illegal activities, including drug trafficking, cybercrime, extremism, terrorism, child exploitation, and cyber scams. The Centre attributed this misuse primarily to the platform’s privacy features.

Authorities alleged that extremist organizations and radical groups have utilized Telegram channels to disseminate violent propaganda and misinformation aimed at destabilizing public order. Additionally, the circulation of Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material (CSEAM) has been highlighted, with numerous channels accused of distributing pirated movies, web series, and copyrighted content, resulting in significant losses for creators and rights holders.

Cybersecurity concerns were also a focal point in the government’s submissions. They indicated that malware developers have increasingly adopted Telegram as a distribution mechanism for malicious software and Malware-as-a-Service operations. Investigators cited instances of channels allegedly promoting tools designed to bypass Google Play Protect, distribute malware disguised as legitimate financial applications, and circumvent security measures embedded in banking and UPI platforms.

The government further alleged that Telegram bots are being utilized to provide access to leaked databases containing personal information, including Aadhaar details and mobile numbers, which are then exploited for cyber fraud.

Centre says warnings went unheeded

The Centre informed the court that its concerns had been communicated to Telegram repeatedly over several years, with discussions intensifying in recent weeks. Officials asserted that representatives from the platform were made aware that the situation had escalated “out of proportion” and that stronger actions could follow if preventive measures were not implemented.

For four years, Telegram has reportedly maintained that improvements to its search capabilities were in development. During recent meetings, the government proposed measures such as device-level blocking and the implementation of hash-based systems to identify unlawful content.

However, Telegram has responded that it lacks the technological capability for IMEI-level interventions. The company stated that its moderators are actively addressing issues related to the Neet paper leak and that it has been processing numbers provided by authorities.

As the case progresses, the High Court faces a challenging question: can the need to address serious misuse justify restrictions impacting an entire platform used by millions?

Source: www.firstpost.com

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