India has temporarily banned Telegram until June 22 after the platform was allegedly used to distribute leaked NEET exam materials and facilitate cheating networks. The restriction sparked controversy after Telegram CEO Pavel Durov accused Reliance of BGP hijacking that disrupted access beyond India, while the Internet Freedom Foundation said the ban was disproportionate and constitutionally incompatible. #Telegram #Reliance #NEET #BGP
Keypoints
- India blocked Telegram nationwide until June 22 under Section 69A of the IT Act.
- The ban was triggered by allegations that Telegram channels spread leaked NEET exam materials.
- Telegram was also ordered to disable its message-editing feature in India until June 30.
- Pavel Durov accused Reliance of BGP hijacking that affected users outside India, including in the UAE.
- The Internet Freedom Foundation criticized the ban as an excessive response that harms legitimate users.