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How India sparred with Telegram days ahead of blocking the app

The Indian government blocked Telegram starting June 16 after the platform failed to remove channels selling leaked NEET UG 2026 exam papers. This action follows investigations into the app's use for financial scams and child abuse material. The ban was temporary and lasted until June 22.

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What changed

New details reveal the specific ban dates and the government's findings regarding cyber fraud and child abuse material.

Live updates

  1. India Imposes Emergency Ban on Telegram Over Exam Leaks and Illegal Content

    The Indian government blocked Telegram starting June 16 after the platform failed to remove channels selling leaked NEET UG 2026 exam papers. This action follows investigations into the app's use for financial scams and child abuse material. The ban was temporary and lasted until June 22.

    What's confirmed:

    • India imposed an emergency ban on Telegram on June 16.
    • The ban was linked to concerns over NEET UG 2026 cheating and the sale of leaked exam papers.
    • The government used Section 69A of the IT Act to restrict access.
    • The temporary blanket ban lasted until June 22.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • India has received hundreds of thousands of cyber fraud complaints related to the platform.
    confidence 90%

  2. Court Upholds Telegram Ban Following Dispute Over Exam Paper Leaks

    The Delhi High Court upheld the ban on Telegram, ruling that the platform's architecture prevented targeted enforcement. The decision followed a private dispute between the Indian government and the company over the removal of accounts selling purported exam papers. The ban affected 150 million users.

    What's confirmed:

    • The Delhi High Court upheld the Telegram ban, citing Section 69A.
    • The dispute involved content moderation and claims of exam fraud regarding NEET papers.
    • The ban impacted 150 million users.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Telegram accused New Delhi of misrepresenting meeting records.
    • India privately rebuked Telegram for failing to proactively remove accounts offering leaked papers.
    confidence 90%

  3. India Blocks Telegram to Prevent NEET Exam Fraud

    The Indian government temporarily banned Telegram until June 22 to stop the spread of leaked medical exam papers. The Delhi High Court upheld the decision, stating targeted takedowns were insufficient. Telegram attempted to challenge the ban in court but failed.

    What's confirmed:

    • The Indian government blocked Telegram until June 22 using emergency powers.
    • The ban was implemented to tackle fraud during the NEET (UG) re-examination.
    • The Delhi High Court upheld the suspension, noting that Telegram's architecture allows rapid content dissemination.
    • India privately rebuked Telegram for failing to proactively remove accounts offering purported leaked exam papers.
    • Telegram has over 150 million users in India.
    • The National Testing Agency is conducting a mock drill on June 20 for the June 21 re-examination.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Telegram accused New Delhi of misrepresenting meeting records.
    • The government described Telegram as being like Frankenstein.
    confidence 95%