GUWAHATI: After nearly a week of disruption, Telegram services are gradually being restored across India, with the messaging platform once again available for download on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Many users have also reported that messages are being delivered normally after days of restricted access.
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The restoration comes after Telegram remained inaccessible between June 16 and June 22 following a temporary ban imposed by the Indian government during the NEET-UG re-examination period.
The restrictions sparked a nationwide debate on free speech, the regulation of online platforms and the extent of government authority in restricting digital services.
The Centre had ordered the temporary ban after accusing Telegram of failing to curb the circulation of fake NEET examination papers, misleading information and other fraudulent activities that allegedly affected the integrity of the examination process.
According to reports, concerns regarding the platform's role in the spread of exam-related misinformation were raised during a meeting with Telegram representatives on June 3.
Subsequently, the government directed internet service providers to block Telegram and its associated web links, including its web-based version, until June 22.
In addition to the temporary ban, Telegram has been instructed to disable its message-editing feature until June 30.
Reacting to the restrictions, Telegram founder Pavel Durov publicly criticised the government's decision, arguing that the ban affected millions of ordinary users while those responsible for exam leaks had simply migrated to other platforms.
