Telegram May Face India Ban After Hacker Exploits Chatbots to Leak Insurer Data

• Star Health’s data breach exposes millions of customers’ personal and medical data via Telegram chatbots.
• Telegram faces heightened scrutiny in India, risking a ban due to its involvement in facilitating illegal activities.
• Multiple countries, including France and South Korea, are tightening regulations on Telegram for its role in cybercrime.

Telegram, One of the most widely used messaging apps worldwide, may be banned in India as a result of a serious data breach. A cyberattack compromised sensitive customer data at Star Health and Allied Insurance, the biggest health insurer in India. 

Consequently, chatbots on Telegram revealed the stolen data, which included medical records and personal information. Authorities are currently looking into the app’s involvement in the data’s illicit sale, which has led to major worries about Telegram’s security and its use for illicit purposes.

Data Breach Exposes Millions

According to reports, millions of Star Health customers’ data may have been compromised. Names, phone numbers, addresses, tax information, and even copies of identity cards are all included. 

Moreover, test results and medical diagnoses were compromised as well. This data was allegedly made available for purchase via Telegram chatbots run by a group going by the name “xenZen.” 

Additionally, samples of the data were made available by these bots, facilitating easy access for prospective buyers. Star Health notified local authorities of the breach right away, but because of its scope, Telegram’s involvement has come under increased scrutiny nationwide.

Ongoing Scrutiny and Legal Challenges

Notably, India has been looking into Telegram’s involvement in a number of illegal activities. The government began looking into its use in extortion and gambling operations just last month. 

Besides, pressure on the messaging app has increased in response to this most recent data breach. In the meantime, the platform is dealing with international legal issues. 

The use of the app for illegal purposes led to the recent arrest of Pavel Durov, the company’s CEO, in France. Durov was freed , but he is still supervised by the law, and his arrest has aided in a larger effort to shut down Telegram.

Potential Ban and Global Impact

Furthermore, the Indian government is thinking about taking additional measures against Telegram; a ban could be imminent, contingent on the findings of the investigation. Authorities are worried about how well the app facilitates illicit activity, including cybercrime and data breaches. 

Hence, there is a greater chance that Telegram will be subject to limitations as a number of other nations, such as South Korea and France, are strengthening their hold on the messaging app.

Telegram has updated its policies regarding illegal content in response, but these steps might not be sufficient to stop governments around the world from taking more severe measures.