TECH EXPLAINED: Telegram's connection to the Delhi blast! How this messaging app became a new hub for terrorists

Telegram: Doctor Umar Mohammed, who is being identified as the suicide bomber behind the car blast in Delhi, has emerged.

Telegram: Doctor Umar Mohammed, who is being identified as the suicide bomber behind the car blast in Delhi, has emerged. According to police sources, Umar was associated with the Pakistan-based terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). He was active in a secret Telegram group with other radical doctors, where terrorist activities were planned. It is reported that Umar, panicked by the arrest of two of his associates, detonated the explosives near the Red Fort.

Millions of users worldwide use Telegram as a secure and private messaging app. But now, the app is becoming a hub for crime, fake news, criminal content involving children, and terrorism. Telegram was founded in 2013 by Russian billionaire Pavel Durov and his brother Nikolai Durov. Its easy interface and end-to-end encryption have made it extremely popular. It has also been used as a vehicle for mass movements on numerous occasions, such as the Ukraine War and the Hong Kong Protests.

Telegram Becomes a New Weapon for Terrorists

Telegram's poorly moderated channels and groups have provided terrorist organizations with a safe platform for propaganda and recruitment. Organizations like ISIS, al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, and Hamas use Telegram to recruit new members, raise funds, and incite violence. Investigations into the 2015 Paris terrorist attacks revealed that the attackers planned their activities through Telegram and WhatsApp.

Although Telegram later promised to remove ISIS-affiliated channels, a 2024 report indicates that terrorist content remains available on the app, albeit in limited form.

Telegram's Privacy Policy Becomes a Shield for Criminals

A recent New York Times investigation revealed that millions of Telegram channels are openly promoting arms sales, drug trafficking, and extremist propaganda.

According to the report, more than 3.2 million messages from over 16,000 Telegram channels were scanned, many of which were in contact with white supremacist groups and criminals. According to Telegram's policy, the company retains very limited data and can only share a user's IP address or phone number upon a court order.

Telegram founder Pavel Durov stated that the company refuses to comply with government orders that violate the principles of free speech and privacy. He also admitted that Telegram did not cooperate with US investigative agencies in their investigation of the 2021 Capitol Hill riots.

Telegram's Defense and Official Statement

In a statement to NDTV, Telegram stated that its Terms of Service do not allow the promotion of violence or terrorism. A company spokesperson explained that Telegram removes millions of harmful contents daily and has partnered with the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideologies (Etidal). Telegram also stated that it complies with India's IT Act 2021 and takes immediate action on reports of illegal content.

Telegram's Special Features

Some of its advanced features set Telegram apart from other messaging apps.

End-to-End Encryption: Messages sent in secret chats can only be read by the sender and recipient.

Self-Destructing Messages: Users can set their chats to automatically delete after a set period of time.

Large Groups and Channels: Millions of people can join a single channel, allowing information to spread rapidly.

Cloud-Based Chats: Telegram chats and media are stored in the cloud, making data accessible at any time on any device.

Bots and Automation: Telegram bots allow users to play games, create polls, or set up automatic replies.

Privacy Shield or Threat?

Telegram claims to be the most secure and private chatting app, but this very privacy has now become a "safe zone" for terrorists, criminals, and hackers. Because even the company doesn't have complete access to chats and channels on Telegram, it's very difficult to track any illegal activity. This is why things like drugs, arms sales, fake news, and terrorist propaganda are spreading rapidly on the app.

Is user privacy now at risk?

Telegram claims to keep user data secure, but if a government demands data in the name of "national security," the app often doesn't cooperate. This raises the question: is Telegram's privacy more important than its users' safety?

Today, Telegram is used as a symbol of security and privacy, but these very features have now become a red flag. While one