India Temporarily Blocks Telegram Over NEET Exam Fraud Probe

India has temporarily blocked access to the Telegram messaging app until June 22, citing concerns that organized cheating networks used the platform to defraud candidates preparing for the re-examination of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) 2026. The move follows last month’s cancellation of NEET results after allegations of widespread question paper leaks affecting more than 2.3 million students.

According to the National Testing Agency, Telegram channels were allegedly being used to sell access to exam papers and facilitate fraudulent activities. The government described the ban as a last-resort measure after previous efforts to remove the content failed. Google and Apple have reportedly been directed to temporarily remove Telegram from their app stores in India.

The decision has sparked criticism from digital rights advocates, who argue that blocking an entire platform is a disproportionate response that impacts millions of legitimate users. The Internet Freedom Foundation called the ban a “band-aid solution,” saying authorities should focus on addressing the root causes of exam leaks rather than restricting access to communication platforms.