India Bans Telegram
India temporarily bans Telegram until June 22, citing its use by cheating networks and cybercriminals ahead of the NEET exam
Key points
- The Delhi High Court upheld the Indian government's decision to ban Telegram from June 18 to June 22, 2026, due to its alleged role in exam leaks and cybercrime
- The government claims Telegram has become a hub for illicit activities, including cheating networks and cyber threat actors
- Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that Telegram's architecture and privacy features make it a preferred tool for cybercriminals and extremist groups
- The ban was imposed under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, ahead of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) examination
- Telegram's lawyers argued that the government had not justified the use of emergency powers and could have blocked specific content instead of the entire platform
The Indian government has temporarily banned Telegram in the country until June 22, 2026. The decision was made ahead of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) examination, citing the platform's alleged role in exam leaks and cybercrime. The Delhi High Court upheld the ban, stating that the government had followed due process. The government claims that Telegram has evolved into a hub for illicit activities, including cheating networks and cyber threat actors. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that Telegram's architecture and privacy features make it a preferred tool for cybercriminals and extremist groups. The ban was imposed under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000. Telegram's lawyers argued that the government had not justified the use of emergency powers and could have blocked specific content instead of the entire platform.
Sources
The WireByte editorial team synthesises technology news from multiple primary sources, verifies the facts, and links every source. Articles are produced with AI assistance and reviewed under our editorial policy.