India temporarily blocked Telegram during medical entrance exams – company appealed to court
The government of India temporarily blocked the Telegram messenger during the period of medical entrance exams. The company is challenging this decision in court, claiming a violation of the right to freedom of speech. Reuters reports.
According to the publication, the temporary blocking of the app was introduced to prevent cheating during the exams. The restriction is in effect until June 22 and concerns channels that allegedly distributed information about exam materials for the repeat national entrance test for medical specialties. Previously, this exam was already at the center of a scandal due to accusations of document leaks, which led to its cancellation after millions of candidates took it.
In court documents reviewed by Reuters, the company states that the blocking undermines constitutional guarantees and users' rights to freedom of speech and access to information.
In Telegram's position submitted to the Delhi High Court, it is noted that such an approach may set a precedent for mass blocking of digital platforms and significantly restrict freedom of expression.
The documents also state that the decision was made on the basis that abuse by a certain group of users allegedly justifies blocking the entire platform.
The parties briefly appeared in court on Wednesday. India's Attorney General Tushar Mehta requested to postpone the hearing, and the court agreed to consider the case the next day. According to him, the government plans to oppose Telegram's position and has repeatedly demanded that the company improve its systems.
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