DT Message: Telegram, the messaging service, was in trouble Friday as it told an Indian court with raising that it could not patrol its networks for accounts involved with leaked data of Star Health, India’s biggest health insurer. The company said it will remove specific content only when it is reported with problematic contents, in reaction to an issue where customer’s data leaked using chatbots.
Telegram Shrugs Off Responsibility 'We Can't Monitor All Chatbots' in Star Health Data Leak
It has become a systematic disaster for Star Health as the data breach compromised a customer’s biometric ID and medical claim documents. The leak, which was first highlighted on September 20, saw the hackers using Telegram chatbots’ and a website to share the leaked data.
In defence to this allegations, Telegram stated that following all the accounts looking for data leak would be impossible and that tantamount to an invasion of privacy. The company stressed that it focused on the policy of reporting the content violating the user or authorities’ terms to give a reply, not on the broad monitoring of the population.
The leakage of data has triggered many controversies since the use of social networks and platforms for exchange of vital information and documents. While critics say that Telegram’s response it inadequate, the company says that it is up to the data controllers, such as Star Health, to ensure that such incidents do not happen.
As Star Health adjusts the impact of the leakage, the case further highlights the significance of the conflict between user privacy and quick reaction to the data leakages. Telegram’s approach to content moderation may very well define future debates over the part that messaging apps play in preventing the abuse of the data submitted by its clients.
Star Health vs. Telegram Legal Showdown Over Data Leak and Bot Control
Last month, Star Health turned to the Madras High Court to order Telegram to remove all chatbots connected to a large data leak. This was due to a hacker who threatened to release more personal data of the customers demanding $ 68000 to stop.
In a session in the court on Friday, the counsel for Telegram said that it was against the laws in India to monitor all the chatbots to try and find leaked data. The lawyer added that, due to legal considerations, the platform cannot be fully monitored and therefore zonal monitoring is impossible.
However, Telegram showed readiness to help in erasing the leaked data, on condition that they get cooperation from Star Health. It could have been able to reduce further deterioration and solve the current problem originating from the data breach.
The impact of the leak has not been trivial for Star Health as the company’s shares have dropped by almost 11% from the time of the leak. On Friday, the company shares lost just over 1% amid uneasy investors who still remain fearful on the consequences of the se data leak on the company’s image and operations.
Telegram has increasingly come under pressure globally, particularly when its founder Pavel Durov was charged in France for the abuse of the messaging app. Durov and Telegram have both flatly denied any impropriety and said they are dedicated to addressing the complaints and fulfilling legal requirements.
High Court Orders Action Star Health Must Identify Bots Amid Data Leak Scandal
In this regard, on Friday, Madras High Court Judge Kumaresh Babu asked Star Health to share information regarding the dangerous chatbots accompanying the scandal, and ordered Telegram to block them. This directive seeks to address the continued vulnerability arising from the breach that has placed the insurer on the spotlight.
Telegram has not commented on the hearing to this paper, nor has Star Health, when asked for their input on the matter. It seems shareholders in the two companies have not been informed of the progress or what both parties are planning to do in handling it.
In a similar probe, Star Health is investigating its chief security officer in connection with this leakage; he was believed to be involved in the leakage. The company has noted that the executive is actively cooperating with the investigation, which so far has not produced any results of embezzlement.
The head of the security service has not responded to the information in public spaces up to the present, which also contributes to the confusion of the case. The traces of the investigation will only increase the pressure on Star Health to explain its internal workings and protect data.
The case will continue in two weeks, maintaining focus on Star Health and Telegram as they work to deal with the legal and brand risks in connection with the data leak. Everly, stakeholders look forward to the evolution of this rather sensitive legal fight.
