The Indian government ordered a nationwide block on Telegram from June 16 to June 22. This action aims to prevent cheating and the distribution of leaked papers for a medical school entrance re-examination scheduled for June 21. Officials nullified the original May exam after allegations of paper leaks on the platform affected over two million students.
Telegram is challenging the block in the Delhi High Court, calling the measure disproportionate and a violation of free speech. Founder Pavel Durov stated the ban punishes more than 150 million Indian users. Durov claims the restriction is ineffective as leaks have already moved to other messaging services.
VPN usage across India has surged significantly as users attempt to circumvent the digital restriction.