INTRODUCTION: – There are many kind of crimes which have become a habituate disaster in respect of the whole human kind, between which one of the popular crime is human trafficking, which also a remaining grave issue in India. It has many way to be connected with this crime but for the purpose of this blog we are only going to focus on technological part. The technology has always been a crucial part, which is playing a dual role in both facilitating and combating this crime. Telegram is one of the popular messaging app, mostly known for its proactive features, has become the target for all kind of traffickers, which through this blog we are going to discussed.

BACKGROUND: – In initial time there was an assumption that the telegram app has been created for high profile top official’s discussion because it has to robust encryption, large group capabilities and anonymity features, which helps to erase every conversion, making them safe to get connected. That’s why telegram has achieved a massive popularity within the mean time. This features are efficient to have but it got backlashed by the illicit activities, exploiting the platform, which also includes human trafficking. Which has created a terror for the society.

KEY ASPECTS: – The aspects regarding trafficking on telegram includes-

• Traffickers use telegram to lure victims with false promises of employment or education.
• Encryption helps during chats and large groups facilitate the co-ordination of trafficking platform.
• The privacy feature makes it more difficult for authorities to locate or trace the traffickers etc.

PROVISION: – In India the legal framework to prevent the human trafficking there are some provision to safeguard the vulnerable people, such as-

1. The constitution of India provides some safeguarding elements such as, Article 23 and Article 24.
2. Also, the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956.
3. The protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
4. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, also this legislation includes sections that provide strict punishment for human trafficking, sexual exploitation of trafficked children etc.
5. The Bonded Labor System (prohibition and Regulation) act, 1986, also deals with human trafficking.
6. The prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 etc.

CASE LAW: – There are some related case which also comes partially under this purview, which are-

• Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India (2020) – the Supreme Court highlighted a distinction should be drawn imposing restrictions on social media/ mass communication and the general internet.
• Also, the CEO of telegram Mr. Durov was arrested on 25^th august 2024, for investigation regarding illicit transactions, sex abuse, trafficking, also many criminal activity on this platform. Also there are many cases.

CONCLUSION: – The section of technology and crime presents significant challenges for existing law enforcement. The features of this, while beneficial for privacy also very pernicious and controlled by exploiters for their own benefit. Addressing this has becoming more and more compulsory, so our Online Legal Query team has tried to become a part of this mission to address it and prevent anymore losses from occurring upon the victims.