India blocks Telegram until Monday due to student exam fraud concerns

Why in news

The Indian government blocked the Telegram app to prevent student exam fraud and paper leaks, invoking IT law provisions regarding national sovereignty.

Background

The government cited the Information Technology (IT) Act's provisions to block access to online sites. The move was described as a 'last resort' after previous attempts to remove specific fraudulent content failed.

Facts for Prelims

• BodyTelegram: A cloud-based instant messaging service and social media platform.
• Act / BillInformation Technology Act, 2000: Provides the legal framework for blocking online content in India.
• FactThe block was implemented specifically to address 'paper leaks' and 'defrauding candidates' in national examinations.

For Mains

Q. Discuss the challenges in regulating encrypted messaging platforms to ensure national security while upholding the fundamental right to freedom of speech.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

• Regulatory friction: Balancing the right to privacy and free speech against the state's duty to prevent organized cyber-enabled fraud.
• Legal ambiguity: Determining the threshold of 'sovereignty and integrity' as a justification for broad platform-wide blocking.

Keywords: Cybersecurity · Freedom of Speech · Information Technology Act · Digital Sovereignty · Content Moderation

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