India Set to Ban Telegram? Here Are the Best Alternative Messaging Apps

Telegram is the second most popular social media messaging app after WhatsApp with over 950 million active users worldwide. Recently, Pavel Durov, the Founder and CEO of Telegram, got arrested in Paris, France, at Paris-Le Bourget Airport on Saturday when he was returning from Azerbaijan. Post that the app's future lies in danger. 

The app is under investigation in India following allegations against the CEO, including gambling, drug trafficking, and extortion. According to a report from Moneycontrol, the inquiry to ban the app is being conducted by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MietY). So, there are high chances that the Indian Government may ban Telegram in India. 

Telegram Ban Reason

Telegram is widely used in Europe as a messaging tool, but investigators have discovered that Islamic extremists and drug traffickers have been using it for illegal activities. Several Media houses from France have told that Durov was detained on an arrest warrant alleging his platform has been used for money laundering, drug trafficking, and other offenses. Under French law, he can remain in custody for questioning for up to four days.

The internet has been divided into parts after this incident. Supporters claim that it is just a political move by Russia, while others show concerns about freedom of speed. The situation became so complex that President Emmanuel Macron had to clarify about it.

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

Top Telegram Alternatives

Telegram is a social media messaging app used for one-to-one conversations, media sharing, group chats, and broadcast channels. In case Telegram is banned, here are some alternatives that you can try. 

Signal

Signal was developed by Moxie Marlinspike and Brain Action in 2014, the app offers end-to-end encryption by default for all texts and calls, and the code of this app is publicly available for inspection. Signal features disappearing messages, and users who want privacy can choose this app.

Microsoft Teams

Telegram is better known for sharing large files with groups, and it is easily replaceable by Microsoft Teams. It offers end-to-end encryption, and users can organise group meetings, and video conferences, share files, and collaborate in real-time, all within a secure environment.

WhatsApp

Meta owns WhatsApp that has over 2.7 billion active users, and it offers end-to-end encryption for all messages and calls. Users can share compressed files, as well as full-resolution files, with a single click.