Kerala vs Telegram: Debunking the App Ban Myth and Exploring Alternatives

Recently, there has been a stir in the news about whether Kerala has banned the WhatsApp competitor, Telegram. However, such claims are greatly overhyped. In reality, no such ban has taken place. What has happened is that some students expressed concerns over adult content being shared via the platform. Instead of reporting the problematic content, or offending individuals, they urged for the app to be banned outright, indicating a sort of fear-mongering among younger user groups.

The correct procedure, though, would have been to address the content misuse directly. Reporting dubious or sensitive content to Telegram authorities or local law enforcement would have been a more appropriate course of action. Censoring apps is not an effective long-term solution for addressing the spread of inappropriate material. Instead, it often fosters an environment where illicit content spreads even more quickly, as users seek to circumvent the restrictions.

It's important to note that the ban is unlikely to be enforced due to the resilience of the app. Even when governments have attempted to ban Telegram, such as the case in Russia, the app has continued to function. Telegram uses an onion routing system and has a robust decentralized infrastructure, making it extremely difficult to completely shut it down. This system ensures that Telegram can still operate even after being blocked in certain regions or countries.

Elusive and Resilient

Telegram enjoys a user base of over 400 million worldwide, and its networked nature means that it can bypass traditional internet blocks with relative ease. By relying on a wide array of servers and end-users as nodes, Telegram is an ever-evolving technology that cannot be easily silenced by any single government action.

The Question of Alternatives

Locals and politicians in Kerala, and even beyond, appreciate the benefits Telegram offers. There are multiple reasons why Telegram is favored by users:

Encryption: Telegram's default end-to-end encryption ensures that messages are secure from unauthorized access. Speed: Being an encrypted app, Telegram often provides faster and more reliable service compared to other messaging platforms. No Ads: Telegram does not force advertisements on its users, providing a cleaner and more uninterrupted experience. Paper Autosave: A unique feature that allows users to save messages and documents in a physical format, proving useful for offline storage and archiving. Global Accessibility: With Telegram, users can remain connected no matter where they are in the world.

Moreover, the decentralized nature of Telegram means that local services do not suffer if Telegram's server is blocked. Users can continue to use the app by switching to alternative servers or nodes in other regions, ensuring reliable connectivity.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, rather than seeking to ban a certain app, it's more constructive to address the misuse of the platform. Transparency and education among users are key to ensuring that app misuse is minimized. Meanwhile, the technical resilience of apps like Telegram cannot be ignored, as these apps continue to function despite government attempts to block them.

For users in Kerala and elsewhere, the choice to use Telegram is a matter of preference and practical necessity. It is essential to understand the app's features and benefits to make informed decisions. While the occasional misuse of Telegram must be addressed, it is the resilience and adaptability of the app that make it a preferred choice for many.