Govt calls Telegram ‘New Dark Web’, raises concerns over cybercrime and illegal content

PTC Web Desk: The Central Government has told the Delhi High Court that messaging platform Telegram is increasingly being misused by criminals, fraudsters and extremist groups, describing the app as the "new dark web" due to its growing role in facilitating illegal activities.

The remarks were made in an affidavit submitted before the court during a legal dispute involving Telegram's challenge to government action against certain channels and content hosted on the platform.

According to the Centre, Telegram has become a preferred platform for various unlawful activities, including cyber fraud, drug trafficking, terrorism-related propaganda, child exploitation content, financial crimes and the circulation of leaked examination papers such as NEET.

The government argued that Telegram's privacy-focused features make it difficult for law enforcement agencies to identify and track offenders. Users can hide personal information such as phone numbers and account details, allowing criminals to operate with a higher degree of anonymity.

In its submission, the Centre said Telegram channels and groups are being used to spread extremist ideologies and content linked to terrorist organisations. Authorities believe such material can contribute to misinformation campaigns and threaten public order.

The affidavit also highlighted concerns over the circulation of Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material (CSEAM) through Telegram groups and channels, calling it a significant challenge for enforcement agencies.

Apart from extremist content, the government claimed that cybercriminals frequently use Telegram to coordinate scams, share stolen data and promote fraudulent schemes. Officials pointed to a rise in cybercrime complaints linked to the platform, based on information from the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.

Another major concern raised was the alleged sale of mule bank accounts through Telegram channels. Such accounts are often used to move money obtained through online fraud and other financial crimes.

The Centre further alleged that hacker groups use Telegram to communicate, exchange stolen information and distribute malicious software. Some cyber threat actors are said to be using Telegram as a command-and-control platform for malware designed to steal personal data from victims' devices.

According to the affidavit, certain Telegram channels have been found promoting tools that help malware avoid detection by security systems. Others allegedly advertise harmful applications disguised as legitimate financial or payment-related services.

The government also expressed concern about Telegram bots that reportedly provide access to sensitive personal information, including mobile numbers, Aadhaar details and other data sourced from previously leaked databases.

In addition, authorities claimed that Telegram is widely used for sharing pirated movies, web series and other copyrighted content, causing financial losses to creators and raising concerns over intellectual property violations.