Telegram, the encrypted messaging platform, has mounted a legal challenge against India’s ban, invoking UK data sovereignty laws. The move follows allegations that the app was used to leak exam papers for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and other central exams. Sources confirm the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issued the ban under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, citing national security.
But Telegram’s countersuit argues that the order violates UK data protection regulations, as the company’s European headquarters are in London. Uncovered documents show that Telegram’s legal team claims the ban is ‘extra-territorial overreach’ and that India failed to provide adequate evidence of wrongdoing. The Delhi High Court is set to hear the case next week.
This is a classic stand-off between sovereign digital borders and a platform that profits from absolute encryption. The question is: who blinks first?
