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  • To Make Investments Easier, SEBI Revises Regulations for Foreign Venture Capital Investors’ Registration

    Foreign Venture Capital Investors (FVCIs) can now be more easily registered thanks to new regulations announced by the capital markets regulator Sebi. Designated depository participants (DDPs) are now responsible for evaluating post-registration references and granting registration to foreign variable capital investment (FVCI) companies, in accordance with the rules established for foreign portfolio investors (FPIs).

    The process of acquiring a registration certificate as an FVCI begins with an application engaging a DDP, and the DDP and custodian of the FVCI must always remain a single entity.

    Currently, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) handles the processing of applications for registering FVCIs and any associated due diligence.

    In a notice published on September 6, the regulator, Sebi, stated that to engage in securities transactions as a foreign venture capital investor, one must first obtain a certificate issued by a certified depository participant on behalf of the Board (Sebi).

    What Steps Do FCVIs Need to Follow?

    A domestic custodian must be appointed by FVCIs under the current regulations to oversee FVCI investments in India and provide Sebi with reports and other information regularly.

    If the notice is to be believed, before making any investments subject to these restrictions, a foreign VC or global custodian representing the VC must engage in an arrangement with a designated depository participant and a custodian.

    Eligibility Criteria for FVCI

    The eligibility criteria for FVCI have also been expanded by the regulator to include Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), Non Resident Indians (NRIs), and Resident Indians (RIs). The following requirements must be met: the total contribution from all NRIs, OCIs, and RIs must not exceed 25% of the applicant’s corpus; the combined contribution from all of them must not exceed 50% of the applicant’s corpus; and they must not be under the applicant’s control.

    Investment trusts, mutual funds, endowment funds, pension funds, investment partnerships, asset management companies, investment managers, and university endowment funds, as well as any other investment vehicle incorporated outside of India, are currently eligible to apply for registration as an FVCI.

    Additionally, FVCIs must save their assets in a demat format. This will be put into action on January 1, 2025, thanks to Sebi’s revised regulations for foreign venture capital investors.

    Founded and based outside of India, FVCI is a major investor in the unlisted stocks of VC funds and venture capital undertakings. So far in March of 2023, 269 FVCIs have been recorded with Sebi. Additionally, within the same period, FVCIs invested a total of INR 48,286 crore directly into investee companies.

    Top 10 Venture Capital Firms in India | Active VC Firms in India
    VC investments are currently recorded at $14.4 bn. Here’s a list of Top 10 venture capital firms in India that actively invests in Indian startups
    StartupTalkyAnga Mahatara

  • GST Council Provides Resolutions to Various On-Going Issues

    Several important topics were discussed at the 54th Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council meeting, including online payment processing, the use of helicopters for religious reasons, and the taxation of R&D in educational institutions. In August 2024, India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) receipts were INR 1.75 lakh crore, down from INR 1.82 lakh crore the month before.

    Digital payments, insurance, and education are just a few of the areas that could be affected by the several recommendations that the Council considered, even though the overall rise of GST was relatively constant at about 10%, showing resilience in domestic revenue collection. The government’s cautious approach to tax reforms was signaled when these suggestions were forwarded to the fitment committee for additional examination.

    Growing Domestic Revenue and GST Patterns

    GST receipts in India increased by 10.1% to INR 9.14 lakh crore in the first half of the fiscal year. There was a 9.2% increase to INR 1.25 lakh crore in domestic revenue, and an even quicker growth of 12.1% to INR 49,976 crore in revenue from imports. Despite a reduced rate of growth in net domestic revenues (4.9 percent after refunds), this expansion exemplifies the economy’s continuous recovery.

    Notably, overall net GST revenue stood at INR 1.5 lakh crore, representing a 6.5 percent increase compared to the same month last year. Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) revenues recorded a greater gain of 11.2 percent. A further important factor was the distribution of refunds, which totaled INR 24,460 crore (58% of which went to domestic refunds and the rest to exporters).

    The insurance sector plays a significant part in India’s tax system; in 2023-24, the federal government and individual states collected INR 8,262.94 crore from health insurance premiums and INR 1,484.36 crore from reinsurance premiums.

    Helicopter Services Subject to Lower GST Rates

    The GST Council eased the financial burden on tourists and pilgrims by lowering the tax on religious helicopter services from 18% to 5%. Devotees who use helicopter services for pilgrimages to religious locations around India are expected to feel less financial strain as a result of this action.

    In areas where pilgrimage sites are difficult to reach, this GST cut will make helicopter services more cheap, encouraging more people to travel there for religious purposes.

    Market Behaviour and Insurance Rates

    Discussions regarding the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on health and reinsurance premiums have also centered on the insurance industry. Health insurance premiums generated INR 8,262.94 crore for the government as of August 2024. Nevertheless, the insurance sector’s taxation has not been changed in any significant way.

    Following the meeting of the GST Council, the stock market responded to the premium uncertainty by trading down in the shares of Star Health, ICICI Lombard General Insurance, and Go Digit General Insurance. These businesses could feel the effects of the upcoming health insurance pricing decision, which has already dampened investor enthusiasm.

    Examining Research and Development Efforts

    Given the notices received by DGGI to universities regarding research funds, the fitment committee will conduct an additional evaluation of the subject of GST on R&D operations in educational institutions. Some universities, like Punjab University and IIT Delhi, have received notifications regarding research funding worth INR 220 crore; they are now seeking for clarification regarding the treatment of these grants under GST.

    Institutions of higher learning that depend on research funding are particularly affected by the decision about the GST applicability to these awards. The academic sector may need to consider the recommendations of the fitment committee in the long run.

    GST Council Addresses Tax Notice Challenges Amid Rising Tax Compliance Needs
    Discover how the GST Council is addressing tax notice challenges in response to the increasing demand for tax compliance.
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  • Fast-Track Semiconductor Infrastructure for India’s First Fab by Tata Electronics and Tokyo Electron

    A strategic relationship between Tata Electronics and Tokyo Electron (TEL) has been established to accelerate the construction of semiconductor infrastructure for two large projects in India. In addition to providing support for Tata’s plans, which include the creation of India’s first semiconductor fab in Dholera, Gujarat, and an advanced assembly and test facility in Jagiroad, Assam, the relationship was formalized by a Memorandum of Understanding.

    Through the provision of semiconductor equipment, the training of Tata’s workers, and the contribution to ongoing research and development initiatives, TEL will play a significant part in the company’s operations.

    According to Toshiki Kawai, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tokyo Electron, this strategic relationship encompasses both front-end fabrication and back-end packaging technologies. It exemplifies our dedication to providing Tata Electronics with great support and value.

    Massive Investment for Creating Favorable Infrastructure

    In India’s semiconductor industry, Tata Electronics is making significant progress thanks to a combined investment of INR 1.18 lakh crore. Both the Gujarat fab, which will be funded with INR 91,000 crore, and the Assam facility, which will be funded with INR 27,000 crore, are planned to develop semiconductor chips for major applications in the automotive, mobile device, and artificial intelligence industries to serve a global market.

    The Partnership Is Aligned With Tata Electronics’ Set Goals

    Many people believe that cooperation with TEL is an essential step towards attaining the execution goals that Tata Electronics has set for itself.

    According to a statement from Dr. Randhir Thakur, Managing Director & CEO of Tata Electronics, TEL has a track record of strong customer relationships and its knowledge of semiconductor equipment will contribute to the development of an evolving ecosystem that will facilitate the prompt activation of our Fab and advanced packaging facilities. The customer-centric approach that TEL offers to our cooperation is something that we are very enthusiastic about.utilized

    About TEL

    Tokyo Electron Ltd. (TEL) is a company that manufactures and distributes equipment for the fabrication of semiconductors and flat panel displays. They are also a maker of electronics, FPD, and semiconductor equipment. A wide variety of SPE systems that cover the primary chip production processes are developed by the company, and these systems are then supplied to producers of semiconductor devices all over the world. TEL provides high-performance FPD manufacturing equipment to FPD producers all around the world.

    This equipment is utilized in the creation of screens for LCD televisions, personal computers, and other electronic devices. To produce organic light-emitting diode (OLED) systems, the company’s FPD products include coater/developers, plasma etch/ash systems, and inkjet printing systems. Asia, North America, and Europe are the three regions in which the company’s operations are dispersed. Located in Minato-Ku, Tokyo, Japan, TEL’s headquarters are located.

    India’s Semicon Mission Set to Receive Crucial 8-Year Financial Boost
    Reports indicate that government officials are contemplating a five-year extension of the budgetary assistance period under the second phase of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) to eight years.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • Flipkart Quietly Rolls Out ‘Minutes’ Service in Gurugram

    Users in Gurugram and the surrounding areas of the NCR region can now take advantage of Flipkart Minutes, a new fast commerce service, which was secretly launched by eCommerce giant Flipkart.

    According to a report by a media outlet, Flipkart Minutes is reportedly now available at several locations in Gurugram, including Unitech Cyber Park, Sector 39, Sector 40, The Millennium City Centre (Sector 29), and Golf Course Road (Sector 54), but the firm has not officially announced it.

    The fact that the service is visible to some customers in Mumbai, according to the source, suggests that Flipkart is testing it before launching it to the public.

    In What Way Does Flipkart Minutes Work?

    You can get your groceries, electronics, cellphones, and more delivered in as little as 10 to 16 minutes with Flipkart Minutes, a speedy commerce service.

    The service went live following reports that Flipkart scrapped its intention to acquire a substantial share in Zepto, the company headed by Aadit Palicha.

    According to an April article by a media house, Zepto opted for a financing round instead of a strategic sale, to increase the company’s worth and be ready for an IPO.

    The possible initial public offering (IPO) is expected to occur in the second half of 2025, according to multiple media reports. Zepto has reportedly begun conversations with Axis Capital, Morgan Stanley, and Goldman Sachs, three prominent Wall Street banks.

    The Impact of Flipkart Minutes on the Market

    Last month, Flipkart introduced the service in certain areas of Bengaluru, including HSR Layout, Gunjur, Bellandur, and Kadubeesanahalli. Notably, there has been a dramatic increase in the need for fast commerce services in these areas.

    Flipkart is now in a stronger position than before to compete with market leaders like Zepto, Blinkit (owned by Zomato), and Swiggy Instamart, all of which have taken customers away from Amazon and Flipkart.

    Users are increasingly drawn to swift commerce on Flipkart because of the convenience and speed of delivery, even though same-day delivery is already available across numerous categories. Nevertheless, not every city may implement rapid commerce.

    According to Flipkart’s VP and head of groceries, Hari Kumar G., the two models—quick-commerce and next-day delivery—can coexist, and the business is looking into delivering quick-commerce services in some regions of the country depending on demand.

    The View of Zomato on the Blinkit Expansion

    The rapid commerce sector is dominated by Blinkit, which is owned by Zomato, as of January 2024. Zepto, on the other hand, has seen a tremendous increase in its market share, going from 15% in 2022 to almost 30% in 2024, thanks to the enormous money it raised last year.

    Blinkit CEO Albinder Dhindsa has already announced intentions to keep growing the business, with 2,000 dark shopfronts planned for the end of 2026, up from 639 at present. Also, by March 2025, Zepto hopes to have doubled its dark shop network to 700.

    Flipkart’s Quick Commerce Revolution: Reshaping India’s Online Retail Landscape
    India’s leading digital commerce entity Flipkart is working to venture into the fast-paced world of quick commerce to meet the burgeoning demand for rapid delivery of everyday essentials.
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  • GoKwik Expands Into International Market With the Acquisition of Shopify App Return Prime

    Return Prime is a worldwide returns management tool in the Shopify ecosystem. GoKwik, an eCommerce enabler, recently announced that it has purchased Return Prime for an undisclosed fee.

    With this acquisition, GoKwik has solidified its position as the world’s premier eCommerce enabler and expanded into the UK, Europe, and the US markets.

    It also paves the way for more brands around the world to take advantage of GoKwik’s suite of solutions and accelerate their growth.

    In What Ways Does Return Prime Function?

    Return Prime is a Bengaluru-based firm that was founded in 2021 by Shashwat Swaroop. It provides a platform that helps brands handle consumer returns and convert them into income opportunities. To facilitate the efficient handling of returns, the platform automates operations such as return logistics, refunds, and replacements.

    Combining the Features of Return Prime

    In more than 170 countries, including important markets like the US, UK, and Australia, Shopify has processed over $1 trillion in lifetime transactions and serves millions of merchants. It is one of the largest eCommerce platforms globally.

    Expanding its product offerings and strengthening its position in the global eCommerce industry, GoKwik will merge Return Prime’s capabilities with its latest purchase. This will allow it to offer online firms a more comprehensive suite of services.

    At Return Prime, the firm has made it easier and more efficient for Shopify eCommerce firms to monetize returns by streamlining the returns process. The co-founder of Return Prime, Shashwat Swaroop, expressed excitement at the possibility of enhancing their product with GoKwik’s capabilities. They plan to add deeper levels of innovation and assist brands in increasing their revenue even more.

    The Commercial Presence of Return Prime

    Currently, Return Prime is said to be home to more than 6000 Shopify brands that are located in more than fifty countries.

    During the next six to twelve months, GoKwik plans to enroll more than ten thousand additional merchants by utilizing the technology provided by Return Prime and the relationships it already has in place to enter new markets.

    The strategic push is anticipated to make a major contribution to the expansion of revenue. GoKwik anticipates that its overall business will rise by a factor of three by the end of this year and by a factor of ten over the following three years.

    Building in India for the rest of the world is inherent in the company’s very being. The direct-to-consumer (D2C) market is thriving, payment systems are of the highest quality, digital infrastructure is advancing, and more people are shopping online than ever before, which has given the firm a significant edge.

    According to Chirag Taneja, Co-Founder and CEO of GoKwik, “The learning curve that we have experienced has prepared us to not only assist brands in India but also scale that knowledge for the purpose of creating solutions on a global scale. This is because we operate in such a diverse market, where every day there is a new perspective on how shoppers function and what they want.”

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  • India’s Semicon Mission Set to Receive Crucial 8-Year Financial Boost

    Reports indicate that government officials are contemplating a five-year extension of the budgetary assistance period under the second phase of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) to eight years.

    According to a senior government official, applicants whose projects are approved under ISM Phase II may be eligible for additional financial grants to train their employees, an option for an additional interest-free loan from the government, and a preferential supply of domestically manufactured and packaged chips.

    “After the first phase of the ISM was successfully implemented, we learned a lot.” according to the official, they have been receiving feedback from industry professionals and experts all over the world and are making an effort to include as much of it as possible.

    Possible Blueprint for Phase II

    The source did mention that the second phase of the mission might see an increase in administrative spending and a withdrawal of funding for technology transfer costs.

    According to a renowned media outlet, the IT ministry is reportedly planning to reallocate funds from the second phase of the ISM away from chip packaging factories and towards semiconductor fabrication companies in India.

    An official said that the incentives for outsourced assembly and testing and assembly, testing, marking, and packing units would be reduced to less than 30% on a pari-passu basis in the next phase of the ISM, down from the present 50%.

    According to the official, we will also include more explicit instructions for reimbursement in the proposal itself. These are the initial concepts that have been deliberated.

    An additional incentive of 30–35% of the total capital expenditure used to establish units for gases, chemicals, raw materials, metals, and other metallurgy could be offered to successful candidates, according to the official.

    5 Semiconductor Projects Approved by GOI

    A chip manufacturing plant for Tata Group-Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp in Dholera, Gujarat, and four chip packaging units, three in Sanand, Gujarat, and one in Morigaon, Assam, were sanctioned by the government as far under the first phase.

    An investment plan to establish a semiconductor chip manufacturing unit at Taloja in Panvel, proposed by a joint venture between Tower Semiconductor and Adani Group, was authorized last week by a cabinet panel in Maharashtra. The proposed investment is $10 billion.

    The Navi Mumbai suburbs in Raigad district are home to the projected Tower Semiconductor-Adani Group factory, which will initially have a capacity of 40,000 wafer starts per month (WSPM) and will subsequently be increased to 80,000 WPSM. The first phase investment will amount to INR 58,763 crore, while the second phase investment will account for the remaining INR 25,184 crore of the overall project investment.

    This would be the sixth project of its kind to receive central government approval in India; if the ISM gives its blessing, it will become the country’s second chip production facility.

    Kaynes Semicon, headquartered in Mysore, has previously requested and received approval from the Union Cabinet to establish an outsourced assembly and testing operation in Sanand, Gujarat, costing INR 3,307 crore. It is anticipated that the Kaynes Semicon plant can produce 6.3 million chips daily.

    Kaynes Purchases Land in Gujarat to Construct a Semiconductor Unit
    Kaynes Technology, an Electronics manufacturing services provider, has bought some property in Sanand, Gujarat, to establish an OSAT (outsourced semiconductor assembly and test) unit.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • Payment Firms BillDesk and CCAvenue Handed GST Bills for Transactions Under INR 2,000

    According to media reports, the goods and services tax authorities have warned large payment aggregators like BillDesk and CCAvenue, requesting GST on the cost they charged merchants for processing digital transactions under INR 2,000.

    Vishwas Patel, the joint managing director of Infibeam Avenues, which runs the payments processor CCAvenue, confirmed to the media that the company had indeed received a show-cause-cum-demand letter. He assured them that their teams had addressed the notification.

    The value of digital payments in India is less than INR 2,000 in over 80% of cases. In response to a government notice given after demonetization in 2016, payment aggregators have not been collecting taxes from merchants for the services they rendered during these transactions.

    Since the implementation of the GST regime in fiscal 2017–18, the government has been actively pursuing tax revenue. Additionally, this is happening right before the GST Council meeting next week, when rumors are circulating that they will issue a clarification on how to tax these types of transactions.

    Massive Undertaking

    The message has already reached some of the participants. According to the CEO of another payments company, “we are anticipating notices too” because, by government regulations, no one in the business charged merchants or paid GST on digital payments under INR 2,000.

    Although the precise amount of GST being asked could not be determined by media reports, the CEO of a payments firm estimated that enterprises processing billions of dollars worth of transactions annually could face tax claims totalling several hundred crore rupees for all these years.

    Pine Labs, Paytm, Razorpay, Cashfree, BillDesk, and CCAvenue are some of the bigger names in the payments business.

    According to sources within the sector, merchants usually have the tax component collected from them when they pay their fees. According to their reasoning, the government would have to recoup the GST from the businesses that receive the payments if it demands it from payment processors.

    The Issue Only With Debit Cards, Credit Cards, and Net Banking

    The problem solely applies to online banking, debit, and credit transactions. As per official directives, the government has eliminated the merchant discount rate and transaction cost for RuPay and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).

    According to sources within the industry, to comply with a government notification from December 8, 2016, the aggregators, who offer payment solutions for both online and retail merchants, did not charge GST.

    During demonetization, a notice was issued regarding services provided by acquiring banks to individuals regarding the settlement of amounts up to two thousand rupees in a single transaction using various payment card services (not including charge cards, credit cards, or debit cards).

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  • The Acko Flexi Term Plan Marks Acko’s Entry into the Life Insurance Market

    Acko Tech, an insurtech unicorn, has launched the Acko flexi term life insurance plan, which provides policyholders with the ability to vary the amount of coverage when their financial responsibilities change. This comes after the company made its debut in the automotive industry.

    By launching this product, the company intends to become a one-stop shop for all of the protection needs that customers may have. A statement issued by the company stated that the plan offers customers comprehensive coverage, which provides them with financial safety throughout their entire lifetimes.

    In accordance with the firm, the plan offers the possibility of modifying the period of the policy to accommodate one’s life goals, whether those goals are for short-term or long-term protection.

    Giving Options of Lump Sum, Monthly Instalments, or an Annuity

    By opting to Acko’s service clients will have the opportunity to change payout methods at any point throughout the policy, which adds flexibility. Policyholders have the ability to adapt their payouts to match their changing financial circumstances, even while the claims procedure is in progress, by selecting from a lump sum, monthly instalments, or an annuity depending on their preference.

    As stated in a release, the creator of Acko, Varun Dua, expressed the company’s desire for clients to view life insurance not as a method of investment but rather as a form of security that is solely for themselves and their families. As we move forward, the company will continue to place its primary emphasis on products that are related to pure protection, such as the term life product that we have just recently introduced.

    Acko is an insurance company that deals with travel, health, and automobile insurance. It was established in 2016 by Varun Dua and Ruchi Deepak. Among its investors are companies such as General Atlantic, Multiples Private Equity, Lightspeed, and Intact Ventures, among others. An insurance plan for the batteries of electric cars (EVs) was also introduced by the company in the previous year.

    For the purpose of constructing an all-encompassing healthcare ecosystem, Acko purchased the digital chronic care management startup OneCare many months ago.

    Acko’s Progress Card

    The organisation asserts that it has provided insurance plans to more than 78 million distinct consumers and has issued more than one billion policies through the present day.

    The entire amount of money that Acko has received from investors is about $450 million. These investors include Amazon, General Atlantic, and Multiples Private Equity. The company reported a net loss of INR 738.5 crore in FY23, which is an increase of 53% compared to the previous year. On the other hand, its operating revenue increased by 32% to INR 1,758.6 crore.

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  • BITS Goa to Celebrate 12th edition of Coalescence, Ankur Warikoo to join as Chief Guest

    As the sun rises over the pristine landscapes of Goa, excitement brews at the K.K. Birla Goa Campus of BITS Pilani, where the 12th edition of Coalescence, the annual entrepreneurship summit, is set to unfold. Coalescence has grown into one of India’s most anticipated startup events, organized by the Centre for Entrepreneurial Leadership (CEL), a student-run organization fostering innovation and entrepreneurship generation over a generation of students.

    This year, the 12th Edition promises to celebrate entrepreneurial spirit, featuring a stellar lineup of speakers and events that ought to ignite yet another spark of entrepreneurship amongst Bitsians. Ankur Warikoo, the famous entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker, will grace the event as the chief guest.

    Every edition is a beautiful mix of panels that bring the faces we see on-screen to the auditorium stage of BITS Pilani Goa Campus, which sees a footfall of 3000+ students. The Shark Tank panel of this year has some of the most dynamic founders in the startup ecosystem. Among them are Dhruv Verma and Sahil Manral, the minds behind Rize Bar, Sundeep Singh, and Akashdeep Dan, the creators of Uncle Peter’s Pancakes, Shweta Shivkumar, founder of WhySoBlue, and Abhishek Daga of Nasher Miles. These founders represent a diverse range of industries, from healthy snacks to luxury travel, yet they all share a common thread – the relentless pursuit of innovation.

    Adding to the excitement, Dr. Vijendra Chauhan, a distinguished Hindi literature professor at Delhi University, a renowned figure in the UPSC ecosystem, and a social media sensation with over a million followers on Instagram will join the summit. With over two decades of experience conducting mock interviews, Mr Chauhan has become a celebrity influencer among UPSC aspirants, known for his sharp observations and candid interview style. His viral interview clips, including the iconic “Baithne ka tarika thoda kazual hai,” have made him a famous name in the community.

    The summit will also feature talks from Rajesh R. Dembla, the creative force behind Zoozle, Saurabh Bothra, founder of Habuild, Mohit B., the visionary behind Stratzy; and Aakash Anand, founder of Bellavita. These leaders, each a trailblazer in their respective fields, will share their experiences, offering valuable lessons on building and scaling successful ventures.

    Coalescence has a rich legacy of hosting distinguished guests. Previous editors saw the presence of Ashneer Grover, Nikhil Kamath, Kunal Shah, and several Y-Combinator-backed founders. The continual presence of such notable personalities highlights Coalescence’s position as a leading platform for entrepreneurship.

    But this entrepreneurial summit is more than just talks and panels. It will also feature workshops and events that engage the entire campus, offering students hands-on experience in various aspects of entrepreneurship. BITS Pilani Goa has been the land for entrepreneurial talent, and Coalescence is a testament to the institution’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovators. The Centre for Entrepreneurial Leadership, with its dedicated team of students, has once again proven that with vision, passion, and hard work, it is possible to create an event that resonates far beyond the campus walls. 

    As the summit draws near, the anticipation is palpable. Coalescence 2024 is poised to be a transformative experience, a gathering where ideas will be exchanged, partnerships will be forged, and the future of entrepreneurship will be shaped. In a world that is constantly evolving, Coalescence stands as a beacon of inspiration, a reminder that the spirit of innovation is alive and thriving at BITS Pilani Goa.

  • App Users Now Have the Option to Report Content on Telegram: CEO Pavel Durov

    For a while now, Telegram has been in the news. The CEO and founder, Pavel Durov, was detained on 25 August on suspicion of permitting unlawful acts on the messaging platform. Despite Durov’s denials, Telegram has taken action. The corporation has been seen to be pushing moderation somewhat as of late.

    The corporation had previously stated on the prior FAQ page that private chats were shielded from requests to be moderated. However, this is not the case anymore. The statement is no longer available. All Telegram conversations, including group chats, remain private amongst their members, according to Telegram’s answer page as of September 5. Requests about them are not handled by the company. This statement has already been removed, though.

    The preceding statement has been substituted by the following: All Telegram applications include “Report” buttons that enable users to flag illegal content for our moderators with a few taps. These buttons are followed by instructions on how to report content.

    The CEO’s arrest for platform moderation led Telegram to make the process of reporting a chat more prominently posted in their FAQ section, while the option to report has always been there.

    Speculation That Telegram May Disable Encryption

    Telegram has described the accusations as “false rumours” and denied any involvement in the potential termination of end-to-end encryption on the app. A recent modification to the FAQ has caused these rumors to proliferate. According to the company’s statement, the modification to the FAQ has merely served to clarify the process of reporting information on Telegram, including through Europe’s DSA.

    “As an alternative to forwarding, you can always report messages from any Telegram group to the moderators. Private conversations remain private, even though you have the option to notify moderators of a new incoming chat by going to Block > Report. There were no changes to how Telegram runs, as anyone can observe in the open source code,” the company claims.

    Allegations on Telegram

    There is room for up to 2,000,00 members in Telegram’s huge group. Despite how appealing it is, this is the main issue that opponents have with it. They think it facilitates the dissemination of false information and gives people a place to talk about controversial topics including child exploitation, conspiracy theories, hate speech, and terrorism.

    More attention and demands for greater responsibility have fallen on the Telegram app in the UK after it was found to host far-right channels that were instrumental in organising deadly disruption in multiple English cities last month.

    There were growing pains that allowed criminals to more easily abuse our platform, as Pavel Durov acknowledged in his message, due to the “abrupt increase” (which he estimated at 950 million) in the number of users of the messaging app.

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    StartupTalkyNitin Konde