NEW DELHI: Telegram, a popular messaging app with over 5 million users in India, is facing an uncertain future as the government intensifies its scrutiny of the platform. A recent probe by the Centre into extortion and gambling activities has cast a shadow over the app’s operations, raising the possibility of a potential ban.
Adding to the app’s challenges, Telegram’s co-founder and CEO, Pavel Durov, was arrested in Paris on Saturday (August 24) as part of a preliminary police investigation.The allegations against Durov include allowing a wide range of crimes due to inadequate moderation and insufficient cooperation with law enforcement. This development adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing scrutiny of Telegram.
The fate of the app in India now depends on the findings of these investigations. Authorities are examining the platform’s role in various illicit activities, and potential consequences could range from stricter regulations to a complete shutdown.
Telegram: A Haven for Exam Paper Leaks
Telegram’s strong privacy features, intended to protect user data, have inadvertently created a safe space for illegal activities, including the leaking of exam papers. The app’s ability to conceal users’ identities, such as their name, number, and photo, makes it difficult for authorities to trace those responsible.
Several exam papers, including those for the UGC-NET 2024, NEET UG, CISCE, and MPPSC, have been leaked on Telegram, raising serious concerns about the app’s role in facilitating academic fraud and undermining the fairness of educational assessments.
UGC-NET 2024 Paper Leak
The UGC NET 2024 exam, conducted on June 18, 2024, was marred by a significant paper leak circulated on Telegram. This breach led to the cancellation of the test for approximately 9 lakh candidates, highlighting the vulnerabilities in the examination process and the need for stronger preventive measures.
NEET-UG 2024 Paper Leak
The NEET UG exam, held on May 5, 2024, also suffered a paper leak, reportedly originating in several districts across Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Haryana. The incident, suspected to be connected to Telegram, compromised the fairness of the exam for thousands of aspiring medical students, prompting calls for stricter security measures.
MPPSC Paper Leak
The Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) exam was similarly compromised by a paper leak on June 22, 2024, with the leaked paper circulating on Telegram and reportedly sold for Rs 2,500. This sparked widespread outrage and concern over the integrity of the examination process.
UP Police Exam Paper Leak
The Uttar Pradesh Police Constable recruitment process has faced repeated disruptions due to paper leaks. Initially scheduled for February 2024, the exam was canceled due to a leaked paper and rescheduled twice, only to face further rumors of leaks that led to additional cancellations. Despite ongoing investigations and reassurances from the Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board (UPPRPB), concerns remain high.
CISCE Std 12 Chemistry Paper Leak
The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) canceled the ISC Chemistry Paper 1 exam on February 27, 2024, just before it was set to begin. The cancellation, due to the exam paper’s widespread circulation on platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp, marked the second such incident in 15 years, underscoring the challenges in maintaining exam integrity.
Adding to the app’s challenges, Telegram’s co-founder and CEO, Pavel Durov, was arrested in Paris on Saturday (August 24) as part of a preliminary police investigation.The allegations against Durov include allowing a wide range of crimes due to inadequate moderation and insufficient cooperation with law enforcement. This development adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing scrutiny of Telegram.
The fate of the app in India now depends on the findings of these investigations. Authorities are examining the platform’s role in various illicit activities, and potential consequences could range from stricter regulations to a complete shutdown.
Telegram: A Haven for Exam Paper Leaks
Telegram’s strong privacy features, intended to protect user data, have inadvertently created a safe space for illegal activities, including the leaking of exam papers. The app’s ability to conceal users’ identities, such as their name, number, and photo, makes it difficult for authorities to trace those responsible.
Several exam papers, including those for the UGC-NET 2024, NEET UG, CISCE, and MPPSC, have been leaked on Telegram, raising serious concerns about the app’s role in facilitating academic fraud and undermining the fairness of educational assessments.
UGC-NET 2024 Paper Leak
The UGC NET 2024 exam, conducted on June 18, 2024, was marred by a significant paper leak circulated on Telegram. This breach led to the cancellation of the test for approximately 9 lakh candidates, highlighting the vulnerabilities in the examination process and the need for stronger preventive measures.
NEET-UG 2024 Paper Leak
The NEET UG exam, held on May 5, 2024, also suffered a paper leak, reportedly originating in several districts across Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Haryana. The incident, suspected to be connected to Telegram, compromised the fairness of the exam for thousands of aspiring medical students, prompting calls for stricter security measures.
MPPSC Paper Leak
The Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) exam was similarly compromised by a paper leak on June 22, 2024, with the leaked paper circulating on Telegram and reportedly sold for Rs 2,500. This sparked widespread outrage and concern over the integrity of the examination process.
UP Police Exam Paper Leak
The Uttar Pradesh Police Constable recruitment process has faced repeated disruptions due to paper leaks. Initially scheduled for February 2024, the exam was canceled due to a leaked paper and rescheduled twice, only to face further rumors of leaks that led to additional cancellations. Despite ongoing investigations and reassurances from the Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board (UPPRPB), concerns remain high.
CISCE Std 12 Chemistry Paper Leak
The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) canceled the ISC Chemistry Paper 1 exam on February 27, 2024, just before it was set to begin. The cancellation, due to the exam paper’s widespread circulation on platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp, marked the second such incident in 15 years, underscoring the challenges in maintaining exam integrity.
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