India privately rebuked Telegram over exam leaks before app ban

India privately rebuked Telegram for not proactively removing accounts offering purported leaked exam papers, while the company accused New Delhi of misrepresenting meeting records. This impasse led to an unprecedented ban of the app, according to documents.

Telegram has challenged the ban, invoked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, in the Delhi High Court. The government used emergency powers to block the app until June 22, citing concerns about its abuse to defraud candidates for NEET, a prestigious national entrance test for medical colleges. The exam results were canceled in May due to suspected paper leaks and rescheduled for June 21.

Telegram, with 150 million users in India, its largest market, stated in its court filings that the ban undermines constitutional protections and free speech rights. This dispute marks the latest clash between a tech company and Modi's government, following a similar legal battle with Elon Musk's X last year over content takedown restrictions.

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We are surprised at the suggestion that it has been inactive in addressing unlawful content.

Documents reveal the June 16 ban order followed two weeks of exchanges between India’s IT ministry and Telegram officials. New Delhi accused Telegram of "inaction" on channels like "NEET PAPER LEAKED" and "Paper Leaked NEET," which it said clearly indicated their suspicious nature, with some demanding money by claiming they could provide the "full (exam) paper."

Telegram responded in subsequent emails, expressing surprise at the suggestion of inaction and stating it does not permit the use of its services for such activities. India’s IT ministry and Telegram did not respond to Reuters queries. WhatsApp remains India's most popular messaging app with over 500 million users, but Telegram's larger group capacity (200,000 members vs. WhatsApp's 1,024) and phone number privacy appeal to users. However, critics note these features also make it a favored platform for fraud and illicit trade, though Telegram denies these allegations and asserts it acts promptly against rogue elements.

The Indian government stated that the issue of purported frauds linked to the NEET exam is "most pronounced on Telegram." The cancellation of the undergraduate medical entrance exam, taken by over 2 million students, caused a political storm, including demands for the education minister's resignation. Telegram founder Pavel Durov called the ban "a mistake" that punishes users while leaks can simply move to other apps. He also posted on X, "Over 300,000 people die of drowning each year. In order to protect society, it is now illegal to consume or possess water," a statement seen as a jab at the Indian government's decision.

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Over 300,000 people die of drowning each year. In order to protect society, it is now illegal to consume or possess water.