Encrypted exodus: The fallout from India’s telegram ban.
Telegram, a widely embraced messaging app celebrated for its encryption and emphasis on user privacy, has seen a remarkable rise in popularity within India, emerging as an essential means of communication among diverse communities. Yet, in 2024, the Indian government enacted a ban on Telegram, citing its purported connections to illegal activities such as extortion, gambling, and the facilitation of criminal networks. This move ignited a fervent debate and stirred controversy throughout the nation.
The arrest of Pavel Durov, the CEO of Telegram, in France, marked the beginning of the series of events leading to the ban. The Indian authorities claimed that Telegram was used to further criminal activities, with some channels supporting criminal activities like extortion and gambling. A host of government agencies got involved in the investigation into these activities, including the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITy) and law enforcement. High-profile scandals, like using Telegram to leak exam papers during national examinations, escalated the controversy and forced the government to seriously consider drastic measures.
The Indian government justified the ban as a necessary step in fighting criminal activities and for the security of the country as a whole. This action has brought different reactions among various political parties. Those who favored the ban were majorly from the ruling party, arguing that it was necessary for the maintenance of law and order. The opposition parties, which were almost 40 percent in the Indian Parliament, strongly rejected the ban. They were concerned about freedom of expression, with some considering this step politically motivated. Legal experts warned that this could lead to a 20 percent increase in cases dealing with censorship and might also spark an avalanche of litigation challenging the government’s move.
The reaction of the public was immediate and loud, as protests sprang up online and in real life, with many voicing their discontent through social media campaigns and digital defiance. This included journalists, activists, and ordinary users for whom Telegram had been especially used for secure communications. Social media platforms further fanned the discussion, with many pointing out the threat to privacy and the wider ramifications for digital rights in India.
India has had its share of platform bans, which have included the likes of TikTok and PUBG in the past. However, the news about the ban on Telegram being more fearsome is because it opens up sensitive communications that were made through it, especially for activists and journalists. Other messaging apps like Signal and WhatsApp might see an influx, but they are unlikely to offer just what Telegram is offering.
Other countries, like Russia and Iran, have also tried to ban Telegram, which often means a long legal and political fight, leading to protracted legal battles and, in some cases, a 50% reduction in the platform’s usage in those regions.
The future of Telegram in India is in limbo. While the government might continue the ban to resound its commitment to national security, there is also a possibility of recanting this ban, especially with increased public sentiments and legal pressures. Long-term ramifications of such a ban may set a precedent for how encrypted messaging applications are treated in India and might usher in a harsher regulatory environment with restrictions in the digital space.
The ban on Telegram in India marks a turning point in the ongoing debate about digital rights versus security. While the government’s actions have been rooted in concerns about criminal activity, the broader implications for privacy, freedom of speech, and internet freedom cannot be ignored.
