Indian Government Blocks Access to Telegram Amid NEET-UG Re-examination

Telegram, a popular instant messaging app, has stopped functioning for existing users in India following a government order to block access to the app, but it continues to remain operational through Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).

Indian Government Blocks Access to Telegram

The Indian government has temporarily restricted access to Telegram in an effort to prevent paper leaks during the upcoming re-examination of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) on June 21.

The government order requires Google and Apple to delist the Telegram app from their app stores till June 22, and also directs the company to disable the message-editing feature for already-posted messages in India till June 30.

Government Order Triggers App Store Delisting

The Indian government has taken this measure to prevent the spread of exam materials and to ensure a fair examination process.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has cancelled the previous exam held on May 3 amid allegations of paper leak, and the upcoming re-examination is scheduled for June 21.

Market Impact and Details

• Google has delisted the app from its store, and Apple has also removed it from the App Store in compliance with the government order.
• Telegram continues to remain operational through VPNs, which bypass Indian servers and connect with foreign servers for operations.
• The Indian government’s decision to block access to Telegram has sparked a debate on the effectiveness of such measures in preventing paper leaks.

Key Takeaways

• The Indian government has blocked access to Telegram in an effort to prevent paper leaks during the NEET-UG re-examination.
• Telegram continues to remain operational through VPNs, which bypass Indian servers and connect with foreign servers for operations.
• The government order requires Google and Apple to delist the Telegram app from their app stores till June 22.

FAQs

What is the reason behind the Indian government’s decision to block access to Telegram?

The government has taken this measure to prevent the spread of exam materials and to ensure a fair examination process.

Will the ban on Telegram stop paper leaks?

No, the ban on Telegram will not stop paper leaks, as the platform continues to remain operational through VPNs.

Who has been accused of lobbying for the ban on Telegram?

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has alleged that Reliance Group, in which Meta has a partial stake, may have lobbied for the ban on the company’s app in India.

Conclusion

The Indian government’s decision to block access to Telegram has sparked a debate on the effectiveness of such measures in preventing paper leaks.

While the ban may have short-term effects, it is unlikely to stop paper leaks in the long run, as the platform continues to remain operational through VPNs.

As the NEET-UG re-examination approaches, it remains to be seen how the ban on Telegram will impact the examination process and the students who rely on the platform for communication.

It is essential for the government to reassess its strategy and consider more effective measures to prevent paper leaks and ensure a fair examination process.