Telegram says it can’t monitor all accounts but will remove flagged content.
In an ongoing legal battle, messaging platform Telegram informed an Indian court on Friday that it cannot actively monitor all user accounts for leaked data linked to Star Health, India’s largest health insurer.
However, the platform expressed its willingness to block content flagged by the insurer.
The case stems from a data leak where a hacker exposed sensitive customer information, such as biometric identification cards and medical claim papers.
Star Health Battles Crisis After Data Leak
Star Health has been facing a major reputational crisis since September 20, when Reuters reported that customer data was being leaked through Telegram chatbots and a website.
The insurer approached the Madras High Court in an attempt to compel Telegram to take action.
Despite Telegram’s refusal to police all chatbots on its platform, it agreed to remove content if Star Health could identify specific problematic bots.
The hacker responsible for the breach has demanded $68,000 to cease leaking further data. As a result of the scandal, Star Health’s shares have plummeted, losing almost 11% since the news broke.
Madras High Court Issues Directions
During Friday’s hearing, Madras High Court Judge Kumaresh Babu directed Star Health to provide Telegram with information on the specific bots involved in the leak.
Telegram was ordered to block those bots immediately. Both Telegram and Star Health have yet to comment on the court’s proceedings.
Investigation Into Security Officer Underway
Star Health is also conducting an internal investigation into claims that its chief security officer was involved in the breach.
While the officer has been cooperating with the investigation, no evidence of wrongdoing has surfaced so far.
