The Indian government has temporarily blocked access to the messaging app Telegram until June 22. The Ministry of Education stated the measure was taken to prevent cheating rackets from using the platform to defraud candidates sitting for the NEET-UG medical entrance examination.
The restriction was issued under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, a provision that allows the government to block online sites in the interest of India's sovereignty and integrity. This move follows the recent cancellation of a key undergraduate medical entrance exam after authorities investigated allegations that questions had been leaked.
The nationwide ban affects more than 150 million users and includes a requirement to disable the app's message editing feature. The app is expected to be unblocked after the exam has taken place.
Telegram has responded by filing a petition in the Delhi High Court. The company is challenging the government order and asking the court to overturn the temporary block.