Telegram Faces Scrutiny as Indian Government Labels It ‘New Dark Web’

In a significant development, the Union Government has informed the Delhi High Court that the messaging platform Telegram is evolving into what they refer to as the “new dark web,” facilitating illicit activities and creating networks among criminals. This assertion was made during a court proceeding on Thursday, highlighting concerns over the platform’s increasing use for illegal purposes.

According to reports from Bar and Bench, the government indicated that criminals have swiftly adopted Telegram to distribute links that connect to dark web forums via deep web links. This trend is alarming for law enforcement agencies, as it complicates their ability to track and identify the perpetrators involved in these illegal activities. The dark web, which is inaccessible through standard search engines, has long been associated with illegal transactions and nefarious dealings.

The government’s remarks came in response to a petition filed by Telegram, which challenged a recent order that imposed restrictions on its services in India until June 22, coinciding with the re-examination of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for undergraduate medical admissions. The Delhi High Court sought clarification from the government regarding the nature and extent of the alleged illegal activities taking place on the platform, emphasizing that digital services can often be misused.

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology took decisive action by restricting access to Telegram until the day after the NEET re-examination concludes. Furthermore, the ministry mandated that Telegram disable its message-editing feature until the end of June, amid allegations from the National Testing Agency (NTA) that this functionality could be exploited during the examination process.

The ongoing legal battle raises critical questions about the balance between upholding the law and ensuring digital freedoms. As digital platforms continue to evolve, the challenge for regulators lies in effectively managing these services while safeguarding citizens from potential harm. The outcome of this case may have far-reaching implications not only for Telegram but for the broader landscape of digital communication in India.

Source: scroll.in