Ahead of the NEET UG 2026 re-exam scheduled for June 21, the central government has reportedly taken action involving the messaging platform Telegram, temporarily restricting certain functionalities in India until June 22. The move comes following recommendations from the National Testing Agency (NTA), which raised concerns over the misuse of the platform during the exam cycle.

According to officials, some individuals allegedly used Telegram to circulate fake question papers and misleading content targeting students. In response, additional safeguards have also been introduced, including a temporary restriction on the app’s message-editing feature until June 30, which authorities say was being misused to alter old messages and spread misinformation.

Why Telegram Is Under the Spotlight

The controversy has once again raised questions about how messaging platforms are being used in India. Telegram, which is widely used for chatting, file sharing, and community groups, has also been linked to several illegal activities, including piracy and exam-related fraud.

Officials and reports suggest that the platform’s large file-sharing capacity and group-based structure have made it vulnerable to misuse.

Telegram’s User Base in India

Despite concerns, Telegram continues to have a massive presence in India. According to industry reports:

• Over 104 million monthly active users in India

• More than 1 billion downloads on the Google Play Store

• Among the top social networking apps on the Apple App Store

This large user base has made it one of the most widely used messaging platforms in the country.

Concerns Over Illegal Content and Misuse

Telegram is widely used for communication and file sharing, but critics argue that certain groups misuse the platform for illegal distribution of content.

Common concerns include:

• Circulation of pirated movies and web series

• Sharing of copyrighted content through large groups and channels

• Spread of fake or leaked exam papers

• Use of anonymous channels to hide identity

Experts say that Telegram’s ability to host large groups and channels without strict identity verification can sometimes make it difficult to monitor misuse.

Why Telegram Becomes a Target for Such Activities

Several platform features contribute to both its popularity and its misuse:

• Large file-sharing capability (up to 2GB per file)

• Anonymous usernames and hidden phone numbers

• Unlimited subscribers in channels

• Fast and wide content distribution

These features make communication easy, but also allow content to spread rapidly when misused.

Past Scrutiny and Global Concerns

Telegram has also faced scrutiny internationally. In 2024, founder and CEO Pavel Durov was arrested in Paris in connection with allegations related to illegal activities occurring on the platform, including drug trafficking and other criminal content distribution. The case highlighted growing global concerns over content moderation on encrypted messaging apps.

The Bottom Line

While Telegram remains a popular messaging platform with a vast user base in India, concerns over misuse for piracy, fake exam leaks, and illegal content sharing continue to put it under regulatory attention. Authorities are now focusing on balancing user privacy with stronger safeguards against digital abuse.