India Enacts Temporary Ban on Telegram Amid Exam Scandal

India has temporarily banned the Telegram messaging app until June 22, following its use in cheating scandals related to the national medical entrance exam, NEET. The move aims to prevent organized fraud by cheating rackets. Telegram is India's largest market by downloads.

In a sudden move, India has temporarily restricted the use of the Telegram messaging app until June 22, according to the Ministry of Education. The decision follows claims that the platform was utilized to defraud students during the national medical entrance examination, NEET.

The controversy erupted after authorities uncovered that exam questions were leaked prior to the test, prompting protests and the cancellation of the exam. The Indian government, wielding powers under its IT laws, described the restriction as a 'last resort' measure necessary for safeguarding the exam's integrity.

Telegram, which has rapidly become popular in India, did not respond to requests for comment. The ban highlights the tension between free speech advocates and the government's efforts to maintain public interest.