Data Leakage Alert: Telegram Bot Exposes Personal Information for a Fee

The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and with it, the threats to user privacy. A recent report sheds light on a troubling practice: a Telegram bot is reportedly selling personal data of Indian users. The bot, which was found by Digit, doesn’t reveal the name of the bot, but it is capable of providing names, parent names, addresses, Aadhaar numbers, PAN card numbers, and voter ID details. This information is accessible after buying a plan, which costs between ₹99 and ₹4999. Once the plan is purchased and a 10-digit mobile number is entered, the bot swiftly generates a profile with the individual’s name, other phone numbers, address, and other crucial documentation details.