Pavel Durov, the co-founder and CEO of Telegram, was recently arrested by French authorities, facing allegations of enabling illegal activities on the platform, including money laundering, terrorism, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, and other offenses.
In response, the Indian government has initiated its own investigation, which could potentially lead to the suspension or ban of Telegram in India. More details are expected as the situation evolves.
Meanwhile, the internet has erupted with a wave of memes.
Founder and CEO of #Telegram #PavelDurov was detained in France owing to investigation focused on a lack of moderators on the messaging app.
Know more about him here: https://t.co/wuFZHjiguW pic.twitter.com/RUfj77iwH4
— Hindustan Times (@htTweets) August 26, 2024
After hearing #Telegram ban news
Indian Aspirants :- pic.twitter.com/MiMUkHL8JA— Shrikant 🇮🇳 (@ShrikantGMagar) August 26, 2024
Charo taraf dukh ka mahaul. #Telegram pic.twitter.com/qUS26CbPNq
— Prayag (@theprayagtiwari) August 27, 2024
#Telegram might get banned in India* pic.twitter.com/hNcOSvgupC
— Wellu (@Wellutwt) August 26, 2024
Indian government has banned #Telegram
Me & my Bois: pic.twitter.com/Vwqaxab77O— Sid (@mishrasid007) August 26, 2024
#Telegram ban hone ka sabse bada reason kya h ?
Ans) Bhai link de de pic.twitter.com/cOLb50ngSD
— Kumar M (@OldYaade) August 26, 2024
#Telegram Banned in india !
Non- users : pic.twitter.com/5EldfwRtTQ— Deepanshu 🙂 (@ParasharVibes) August 26, 2024
Some users have argued against the ban, emphasizing Telegram’s value for students, especially UPSC aspirants in rural areas with limited educational resources. Others highlighted the platform’s negative impact, noting how many have lost their savings due to scams. Some took a humorous approach, joking about how the ban would affect traders and those who use the platform for accessing banned content like pirated movies, web series, and even porn.
Telegram should not be #BANNED in India. It is the only source for middle class students to get study material and can do quizzes free of cost. #Telegram @telegram @smstelegram
— Raman Kaur (@rmnkaurKA) August 26, 2024
अब मैं Web Series कैसे देखूँगा। 😞 #Telegram手机号码 #Telegram
— Tarachand Meena (@TarachandSihra) August 27, 2024
Don’t ban #Telegram, instead ban the illegal stuff there, millions of students are depend on that one app not only for pirated study material but there are many such helpful bots and people out there. Indian Government could not do anything GOOD for students at least bare this.
— प्रशिक ☸ (@EnigmatSphinx8) August 27, 2024
If telegram is taken down, stock market will crash😂😂. People wont get multibeggar ideas on telegram 😂😂
— Global Statistics (@Globalstats11) August 27, 2024
If telegram is taken down, stock market will crash😂😂. People wont get multibeggar ideas on telegram 😂😂
— Global Statistics (@Globalstats11) August 27, 2024
Additionally, a few users questioned why Telegram is being targeted while gambling apps, which have devastated many lives and families, continue to operate freely.
🚨 Telegram may be banned in India.
The Indian government investigated Telegram for its alleged involvement in criminal and activities. pic.twitter.com/dMhVQvdEmd
— Indian Tech & Infra (@IndianTechGuide) August 27, 2024
Many have lost millions of their savings because @telegram allowed a free hand to swindlers..
— DelhiMuse (@DelhiMuse) August 27, 2024
Elon Musk has also reacted to the ongoing controversy. Have a look at his tweet.
I have seen false information regarding France following the arrest of Pavel Durov.
France is deeply committed to freedom of expression and communication, to innovation, and to the spirit of entrepreneurship. It will remain so.
In a state governed by the rule of law,…
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) August 26, 2024
It would be helpful to the global public to understand more details about why he was arrested
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 27, 2024
Pavel Durov, a billionaire with citizenship in multiple countries, including the UAE, France, Russia, and St. Kitts and Nevis, is currently under extended custody in France. Authorities are expected to question him for up to four days before deciding whether to press charges or release him.
