Delhi Blast: This feature of the Telegram app has troubled security agencies around the world, linking them to the Delhi blast...

Shocking revelations are now emerging regarding the November 10 terrorist attack near Delhi's Red Fort. Investigations have revealed that the suspected suicide bomber, Umar Mohammed, a doctor by profession, was associated with a radical group on Telegram. According to Delhi Police sources, Umar was also connected to the Pakistan-based terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed. According to information received, when two key members of the JeM module (also doctors) were arrested a few days before the blast, Umar became alarmed. In this panic, he carried out the explosion near the Red Fort.

Telegram's History is Surrounded by Controversies
This is not the first time that a terrorist or terrorist organization has used Telegram to spread terror. Previous reports have revealed that organizations like the Islamic State, al-Qaeda, Hamas, and Hezbollah have used Telegram for recruitment, propaganda, funding, and inciting violence. Furthermore, Telegram has been accused of promoting crime, fake news, racial hatred, and child abuse, among other illegal activities.

This is why Telegram has become a "secret haven" for criminals.
In 2013, Russian billionaire Pavel Durov and his brother Nikolai Durov launched Telegram. When launching Telegram, the Durov brothers made user privacy and message encryption the app's strongest pillars, something that was lacking in most messaging apps at the time. However, this concern about user privacy is now creating many difficulties for the company. Telegram claims to offer the strongest encryption and privacy in its "Secret Chat" feature. Telegram does not upload user messages to its servers, meaning Telegram itself cannot access those chats.

Furthermore, the app's Secret Chats have a self-destructing feature, which automatically deletes messages after a certain period of time. This makes it nearly impossible for security agencies to trace and decode messages. Terrorist organizations are exploiting the strict privacy policy of Telegram.

When these concerns first arose in 2015, Telegram founder Pavel Durov stated clearly that "people's right to privacy is more important than the fear of bad things like terrorism." But just two months later, ISIS carried out the deadliest terrorist attack in France. Subsequent investigations revealed that the attackers had partially used Telegram and WhatsApp to plan and coordinate the attack. Telegram subsequently promised to remove ISIS-linked accounts, but according to reports, some propaganda content remained available on the platform until February 2024.

Allegations of non-cooperation with law enforcement agencies
Telegram's policy places strict limits on cooperation with investigative agencies. Axel Neff, who helped start the company, stated in a statement that his core team consisted of only 60 employees, too few to monitor criminal activity on the platform. He stated in 2024, "If Telegram receives a court order confirming that you are a terrorist suspect, we may share your IP address and phone number with the relevant authorities. This has never happened before."

Several Important Revelations in the Investigation
The New York Times revealed in an investigative report that illegal activities are openly taking place on Telegram, with over 3.2 million messages and 16,000 channels. Approximately 1,500 white supremacist channels connect to approximately 1 million users worldwide. Many channels are involved in trade, ranging from arms sales to drug delivery. Pavel Durov also stated clearly in 2024 that his company ignores government requests that violate its values ​​of "free speech and privacy."

Telegram's Statement in Defense
However, in a statement to an Indian media agency, the company clarified that its rules do not permit any form of violence or terrorist content, and that such content is removed as soon as it is discovered. The company claimed it removes millions of harmful posts daily and is partnering with global organizations to combat extremism. It also stated its compliance with the Indian IT Rules 2021.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.