Telegram Under Scrutiny in India as Hub for Criminal Activity

- Telegram, a popular messaging app, is under investigation in India for criminal activities like extortion and gambling. - A government official mentioned that the app could be banned depending on the findings of the probe. - Telegram CEO Pavel Durov was arrested in Paris on August 24 for failing to prevent criminal activities on the platform. - The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre and MeitY are looking into P2P communications on Telegram. - The investigation highlights growing global scrutiny over Telegram's content moderation policies. Source: [Moneycontrol](https://www.moneycontrol.com/technology/telegram-being-investigated-in-india-over-extortion-gambling-concerns-article-12806508.html)

- Durov charged with complicity in child porn distribution, drug offenses, fraud, and money laundering - Judicial investigation involves collaboration between cybercrime and anti-fraud agencies - Custody period extended up to 96 hours until Aug. 28, 2024 - Charges include refusing to cooperate with authorities on lawful interception requests - Case likely to impact discussions on platform responsibility and user privacy at upcoming tech events Source: [Benzinga](https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/08/40558693/telegram-ceo-pavel-durov-faces-12-serious-charges-french-prosecutor-reveals)

- Pavel Durov, Telegram CEO, faces criminal charges in France over app's alleged failure to address criminality - Telegram's bonds plummet, trading at 87 cents on the dollar with 16% yield following Durov's arrest - Company's 2023 financials show $342mn revenue, $108mn operating loss, and $173mn total losses after tax - Toncoin, cryptocurrency associated with Telegram, down nearly 20% after news of Durov's arrest - Concerns arise over Telegram's future operations and leadership with Durov's central role in decision-making Source: [Financial Times](https://www.ft.com/content/429f9092-5447-4e4c-b3b6-ffa2bc357ca4)

- Pavel Durov placed under formal investigation for alleged crimes related to Telegram app - Charges include complicity in illicit transactions, child abuse images, and drug trafficking - Durov granted bail with 5 million euro deposit and must remain in France - Telegram claims compliance with EU laws and denies responsibility for platform abuse - Case sparks debate on app providers' liability and limits of free speech Source: [aljazeera](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/8/28/telegrams-pavel-durov-transferred-to-french-court-to-face-possible-charges)

I would recommend everyone to read 1984 book by george Orwell . Because this is where we are heading slowly

- Telegram has removed language from its FAQ page that said private chats were protected from moderation requests. - This change comes nearly two weeks after CEO Pavel Durov was arrested in France for allegedly allowing criminal activity on the app. - Durov issued a statement promising to moderate content more on the platform, a shift from the company's initial stance. - The FAQ page now includes instructions on how to report illegal content, replacing previous statements about chat privacy. - French authorities charged Telegram with distributing child sexual abuse material and drug trafficking, citing the company's lack of cooperation. Source: [The Verge](https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/5/24237254/telegram-pavel-durov-arrest-private-chats-moderation-policy-change)

- Durov had lunch with French President Macron in 2018, who tried to woo him to Paris - French and UAE spies hacked Durov's iPhone in 2017 in operation 'Purple Music' - Durov gained citizenship in France and UAE in 2021, with UAE investing $75M in Telegram - Telegram ignored law enforcement requests for years, now claims EU compliance - Durov detained in France as part of probe into online criminality on platforms Source: [WSJ](https://www.wsj.com/world/who-is-pavel-durov-telegram-founder-9b43eb5a?st=do5stxymu1802kg&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink)

I can't help but wonder if Telegram's recent $330 million bond sale is a sign of strength or a desperate attempt to stay afloat. On one hand, founder Pavel Durov claims that the terms of the bonds were the most favorable in the company's history, and that global financial institutions value Telegram's growth. But let's not forget that the company has been scrambling to find new revenue streams, from ads to premium subscriptions. Durov even mentioned that Telegram aims to be profitable next year and is considering an IPO. However, is this just a smokescreen to cover up deeper financial issues? The controversial point here is whether Telegram is genuinely on the path to profitability or if it's merely buying time with borrowed money. Only time will tell, but the stakes have never been higher.

As per SEBI, inducement is not allowed, these telegram groups charge thousands of rupees just to join their group and post fake screenshots, is this allowed?