Telegram issue: IT Ministry asks MHA to check on status, violations in Indian context

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. File | Photo Credit: PTI

In light of Telegram Chief Pavel Durov’s arrest in Paris for offenses related to his messaging app, IT Ministry has asked the Ministry of Home Affairs for an update on where things stand in the Indian context and if there are any violations here as well, sources said .

An email query sent to IT Ministry on the issue, elicited no immediate reply.

Sources, meanwhile, said, “In light of what has happened in France, IT Ministry has asked Ministry of Home Affairs to check on complaints pending against Telegram and what action can be taken.” They pointed out that IT Ministry is not an investigating agency in this regard, and that even CERT-In under the Ministry focuses on cybersecurity offenses not cybercrimes per se.

“The basic question here is there are any complaints, is there similar situation in India, and what is the status, and what action is required,” according to sources.

Asked if Telegram, being a messaging app, can cite safe harbor clause, sources said in that case they will have to collaborate with law enforcement agencies, provide information where needed and assist with any investigation.

Telegram’s founder and CEO was detained at Paris airport on an arrest warrant alleging his platform was used for offenses like money laundering and drug trafficking.

A dual citizen of France and Russia, Durov, 39, was taken into custody at Paris-Le Bourget Airport on Saturday after landing in France from Azerbaijan, as per reports.