Key facts
- India has temporarily banned the Telegram messaging app.
- The ban is a response to allegations of the app being used to facilitate cheating in NEET exams.
- Telegram founder Pavel Durov stated the ban punishes over 150 million users.
- Durov argued the ban is ineffective and that leaked content will shift to other platforms.
India has implemented a temporary ban on the messaging application Telegram, citing concerns over its alleged use in facilitating cheating for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), a crucial medical entrance examination. The ban, effective until June 22, was enacted under provisions of the IT law allowing service blocking in the interest of India's sovereignty and integrity.
Pavel Durov, Telegram founder and CEO, strongly criticized the government's decision, asserting that the ban unfairly punishes over 150 million ordinary users in India rather than targeting the individuals responsible for leaking exam materials. Durov also questioned the efficacy of the restriction, suggesting that such leaks would merely migrate to alternative platforms, rendering the ban ineffective in preventing organized cheating networks.
Officials defended the move as a "last resort" after previous attempts to remove leaked content from the platform proved unsuccessful. The agency said the restrictions are aimed at preventing the spread of misinformation, protecting the integrity of the examination process, and maintaining public order. The controversy follows a major leak of NEET exam papers that led to the cancellation of a previous exam cycle, with a fresh examination scheduled for June 21.