The Centre has told the Delhi High Court that Telegram is being increasingly misused as a hub for illegal activity, equating parts of the messaging platform to a “new dark web”. In an affidavit filed during proceedings seeking action against Telegram, the government alleged the app facilitates circulation of leaked examination papers — including NEET — as well as drug trafficking, cyber fraud, online scams and extremist propaganda.
The affidavit said Telegram’s privacy features and anonymous accounts enable criminals to conceal identities and share links to dark‑web forums, complicating investigations. Authorities pointed to a sharp rise in complaints and financial losses recorded on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) tied to Telegram-related offences.
The Centre accused hacker groups of using channels to trade stolen data, recruit “mule” bank accounts for laundering, and plan cyberattacks. It also said malicious Android apps use Telegram for command‑and‑control functions, while some channels advertise “Malware‑as‑a‑Service” tools and bots that provide unauthorised access to personal data — including mobile numbers and Aadhaar‑linked information gleaned from prior breaches.
The government warned that extremist and radical content, and misinformation linked to terrorist elements, are also being propagated on the platform, posing risks to public order. The court will consider the Centre’s submission as part of ongoing demands for regulatory action against Telegram.
