In response to Telegram Chief Pavel Durov’s recent arrest in Paris, the Indian IT Ministry has sought clarification from the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the implications for India. Durov was detained at Paris-Le Bourget Airport on an arrest warrant for alleged offenses, including money laundering and drug trafficking, related to the messaging app Telegram.
The IT Ministry has requested the Home Affairs Ministry to review any pending complaints against Telegram in India and determine necessary actions. While the IT Ministry does not conduct investigations directly, they have asked for an update on the status of Telegram’s operations and any required measures.
Telegram, which allows encrypted one-on-one chats and group conversations, has faced scrutiny due to its large group sizes and encryption features. Unlike competitors, Telegram’s encryption is not default for all chats, leading to concerns about misinformation.
The response from the Home Affairs Ministry is awaited as the situation develops.