The Central government on Thursday informed the Delhi High Court that the messaging platform Telegram is being increasingly exploited for terror activities and circulation of leaked examination papers, among other unlawful acts.
Government's Submission in Court
In a submission made before a division bench, the government stated that Telegram has become a preferred platform for cybercriminals, who use fake accounts, concealed identities, channels and groups to carry out illegal activities. The submission was part of a hearing related to the alleged leak of the NEET examination paper.
The Centre highlighted that the app's features, such as end-to-end encryption and large group capacities, make it difficult for law enforcement agencies to track malicious actors. It added that Telegram is being used for sharing sensitive documents, coordinating terror modules, and spreading misinformation.
Concerns Over National Security
The government expressed serious concerns over national security, noting that encrypted platforms like Telegram pose significant challenges to investigation agencies. It urged the court to consider regulatory measures to curb misuse while balancing privacy rights.
The Delhi High Court has sought a detailed response from Telegram and directed the government to file an affidavit outlining specific instances of misuse. The next hearing is scheduled for July 2026.
Context and Background
The case stems from petitions seeking action against the leakage of NEET question papers, which were allegedly circulated via Telegram channels. The government's broader submission links such leaks to a pattern of criminal exploitation of the platform.
Telegram, which claims over 900 million active users globally, has faced scrutiny in multiple countries for its role in facilitating illicit activities. The company maintains that it complies with valid legal requests and removes illegal content when notified.
