The Indian government has labeled messaging platform Telegram as "new dark web," citing its use by cybercriminals and extremist groups. This assertion was made during a court hearing on June 18,2026,as the government sought to uphold a temporary ban on the app,which is currently in place until June 22,2026, due to concerns over examination paper leaks related to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) or NEET (UG).
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta presented the government's case before the Delhi High Court, emphasizing findings from an assessment by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C). He argued that Telegram's architecture and privacy features have made it a prime choice for illicit activities, including cyber fraud and the coordination of attacks. Mehta noted that the platform has become hub for criminals to share links to dark web forums, complicating law enforcement efforts to track illegal activities.
Telegram channels facilitate the exchange of information related to money laundering and cyber fraud, with criminals using them to coordinate operations and distribute malware. rapid creation of new channels allows users to shift entire groups, sometimes numbering around 100,000,to different channels in seconds,making it increasingly difficult for authorities to monitor and control these activities.
Data presented in court illustrated a dramatic rise in cybercrime complaints associated with Telegram,escalating from 75,688 in 2023 to 275,000 in 2025. Reported fraud linked to the platform exceeded ₹3,000 crore that year,with over 88,000 complaints already logged by May 2026. Mehta pointed out the platform's unique capabilities,noting that one account can create up to 40 bots,significantly outpacing competitors like WhatsApp,which allows only one bot per user.
The government also connected Telegram to the spread of extremist content, asserting that radical groups utilize the platform to disseminate propaganda and misinformation. Mehta referenced actions taken by other countries against Telegram for similar reasons,indicating a global recognition of platform's risks.
Justice Tejas Kataria, who presided over the hearing,expressed concern about the implications of a blanket ban on Telegram,questioning whether the rights of 150 million users should be curtailed due to the actions of a few. He highlighted the challenge of balancing public safety with individual rights,particularly in light of past instances where internet services were suspended during riots affecting broader population.
In response,Mehta argued that the potential for misuse during the NEET examination justified the government's actions . He recounted previous incident in 2024 where a question paper was allegedly leaked before the exam. This incident led to public protests, underscoring the risks associated with the platform .
Senior advocate Dhruv Mehta,representing Telegram, contended that the government had not adequately justified the use of emergency powers to impose a blanket ban. He questioned the rationale behind restricting access to the entire platform rather than targeting specific content. court has reserved its judgment on the matter, acknowledging serious allegations surrounding examination leaks while weighing the government's justifications against the potential infringement on users' rights.
