Telegram, a messaging app with over 5 million users in India, is facing a turbulent future as the Indian government intensifies its scrutiny. The app’s reputation has taken a hit due to its alleged role in facilitating a range of illegal activities, including extortion, gambling, and most notably, the rampant leaking of exam papers.
The government’s investigation into these activities, which have cast a shadow over the app’s operations, has raised the possibility of a potential ban. Adding to the app’s woes, Pavel Durov, Telegram’s co-founder and CEO, was arrested in Paris on August 24th as part of a preliminary police investigation. The allegations against Durov include allowing a wide range of crimes due to inadequate moderation and insufficient cooperation with law enforcement.
Telegram’s strong privacy features, designed to protect user data, have inadvertently created a haven for illegal activities. The app’s ability to conceal users’ identities, such as their names, phone numbers, and photos, makes it challenging for authorities to track down those responsible for criminal activities.
This situation has come to a head with the alarming prevalence of exam paper leaks on Telegram. Several crucial exams, including the UGC-NET 2024, NEET UG, CISCE, and MPPSC, have been compromised by leaks circulated on the platform. These incidents have raised serious concerns about the integrity of academic assessments and the potential for academic fraud.
The UGC-NET 2024 exam, conducted on June 18th, 2024, was marred by a significant paper leak circulated on Telegram. This breach led to the cancellation of the test for approximately 9 lakh candidates, highlighting the vulnerabilities in the examination process and the need for stronger preventive measures.
Similarly, the NEET UG exam, held on May 5th, 2024, also suffered from a paper leak, reportedly originating in several districts across Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Haryana. The incident, suspected to be connected to Telegram, compromised the fairness of the exam for thousands of aspiring medical students, prompting calls for stricter security measures.
The Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) exam was also compromised by a paper leak on June 22nd, 2024, with the leaked paper circulating on Telegram and reportedly sold for Rs 2,500. This sparked widespread outrage and concern over the integrity of the examination process.
The Uttar Pradesh Police Constable recruitment process has faced repeated disruptions due to paper leaks. Initially scheduled for February 2024, the exam was canceled due to a leaked paper and rescheduled twice, only to face further rumors of leaks that led to additional cancellations. Despite ongoing investigations and reassurances from the Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board (UPPRPB), concerns remain high.
The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) canceled the ISC Chemistry Paper 1 exam on February 27th, 2024, just before it was set to begin. The cancellation, due to the exam paper’s widespread circulation on platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp, marked the second such incident in 15 years, underscoring the challenges in maintaining exam integrity.
The fate of Telegram in India now hinges on the findings of these ongoing investigations. The authorities are examining the platform’s role in various illicit activities, and potential consequences could range from stricter regulations to a complete shutdown.
The situation highlights the delicate balance between protecting user privacy and preventing the misuse of online platforms for illegal activities. It remains to be seen how Telegram will address these concerns and ensure a secure and responsible environment for its users in India.
