Telegram Faces Potential Ban in India After Major Data Leak

Telegram is facing potential restrictions in India following a significant data breach linked to the app.

The incident involved Star Health and Allied Insurance, the country’s largest health insurer, where sensitive customer information was exposed through chatbots on Telegram. This leak has intensified scrutiny of the platform, especially amid CEO Pavel Durov’s recent legal challenges in France.

According to a Reuters report, the cyberattack on Star Health, valued at over $4 billion, led to the theft of personal data, including names, phone numbers, addresses, tax information, and medical records. This information is now being offered for sale on Telegram, with chatbots even providing samples.

The health insurer has alerted local authorities regarding the breach, highlighting the chatbot operated by “xenZen,” which boasts of its resilience against takedown efforts.

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This breach is not an isolated incident; the Indian government has previously investigated Telegram for its role in extortion and gambling activities. The latest data leak may prompt the government to consider a ban on the app, depending on the outcomes of ongoing investigations.

The app’s legal troubles have been exacerbated by Durov’s recent arrest in France, which has raised alarms over Telegram’s involvement in illicit activities. Although he has since been released, Durov remains under judicial supervision. This situation has led to increasing regulatory pressure on Telegram from various countries, including India, France, and South Korea.

Alexander Zdravkov