 "Star Health sues Telegram after a hacker leaked sensitive data, raising privacy alarms as Telegram’s safety measures come under scrutiny.")
Star Health has taken legal action against Telegram and a hacker who used the platform to leak sensitive company data. The hacker, known as xenZen, allegedly shared personal information and medical reports of policyholders via chatbots on Telegram. Following a court order in Tamil Nadu, Telegram has been instructed to block any chatbots or websites that are sharing this data. Star Health initially claimed that there was no major data breach, asserting that sensitive information was secure. However, leaked documents reportedly contained private details such as names, phone numbers, and medical diagnoses. Telegram’s founder recently faced arrest in France over app content moderation issues, prompting the platform to announce new safety measures.
Insurer Star Health has taken significant legal action against the popular messaging app Telegram, as well as a hacker who exploited the platform to leak sensitive company data. Reports indicate that the hacker, known as xenZen, was using chatbots on Telegram to release personal information and medical records belonging to policyholders.
In a recent public statement, Star Health announced that a court in Tamil Nadu has granted them a temporary injunction, which requires Telegram to block any chatbots or websites involved in selling this leaked information. The insurer described the incident as "illegal hacking and unauthorized access to sensitive information," highlighting the urgency of the situation.
According to news from Reuters, the hacker allegedly shared stolen data that included names, phone numbers, addresses, tax details, and medical records. Although initially, Star Health claimed there was no "widespread compromise" of data, the alarming revelation of the hacker’s activities raised concerns about privacy and security.
In the backdrop of this incident, Telegram has yet to respond to these allegations. The platform, launched in 2013, boasts 900 million active monthly users and has faced scrutiny about its content moderation policies. Recently, Telegram’s CEO, Pavel Durov, was arrested in France amid accusations that the app has features susceptible to criminal misuse—claims the company has strongly denied. Following these events, Telegram vowed to implement new measures aimed at improving safety and protecting user privacy.
As the situation develops, the focus remains on the balance between maintaining user privacy on platforms like Telegram and preventing the misuse of such technology for illegal activities.
Tags:
Star Health, Telegram, data breach, hacker, user privacy, legal action, medical data leak.
What happened with Star Health and Telegram?
Star Health is suing Telegram because a hacker used the app’s chatbots to leak private data of customers.
Why did the hacker use Telegram?
The hacker used Telegram because its chatbots can easily communicate and share information, making it a target for stealing data.
What kind of data was leaked?
The leaked data included personal information about Star Health customers, which could be sensitive and harmful if misused.
What is Star Health trying to achieve with the lawsuit?
Star Health aims to hold Telegram accountable and prevent similar incidents in the future, protecting customers’ data.
How can customers protect their information now?
Customers should stay alert, use strong passwords, and avoid sharing personal information online to help protect their data.
