Privacy sanctuary or a cybercriminal haven?

Telegram CEO's arrest throws spotlight on the murkier side of the messaging app.

"General people data for sale in bulk, if anyone interested or want to see samples. Escrow accepted." "Selling gambling database.

Brazil/Asian countries. Sweet price. For more information, message me." "I have big data. DM now."

"Selling complete database mentioned in this data leak. Full name, DOB, address, phone number."

What you just read is 30 seconds of messages posted on a title Telegram group simply titled, "Data Selling". Tons of data, hacked or leaked from online repositories all over the world, are routinely sold and bought on Telegram on a daily basis.

The messaging app with its strong focus on privacy has been the talk of the town ever since its founder, Pavel Durov, was arrested on Sunday. The Franco-Russian billionaire was travelling via Azerbaijan on his private jet when he was detained at the Bourget airport in France and placed under arrest.

He has been named as an accused in cases relating to fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying and organised crime, according to news reports emanating out of France, and also charged with failing to take action against the misuse of Telegram for the above mentioned illegal activities.

But the problem isn't one that only France is facing. Several countries across the world are plagued by the same issue, including India.