India news: Telegram is 'like Frankenstein,' government says
06/18/2026 June 18, 2026 Indian government blasts 'Frankenstein' Telegram, defends temporary ban India's central government on Thursday defended its recent decision to temporarily block access
06/18/2026 June 18, 2026 Indian government blasts 'Frankenstein' Telegram, defends temporary ban India's central government on Thursday defended its recent decision to temporarily block access to the messaging platform Telegram in the country until June 22 over accusations that it had been used to leak a copy of this year's Medical School Entrance Exam, or NEET.
The government told the Delhi High Court that Telegram, which sued over the temporary ban, had grown into a monster — allowing criminals to use it much like the dark net to pursue criminal activities. "This platform, because of its architecture," said Attorney General R. Venkataramani, "is a Frankenstein." "If a country like ours cannot take preventative measures, then where do we go?" Venkataramani asked the court, noting that nations must be allowed to act before damage occurs.
Telegram argued that its treatment by the government was unfair and disproportionate, saying that all Telegram users in the country were being disadvantaged due to the actions of a few. The government said due process had been followed in making the decision and that
the Cabinet secretary had led discussions on the matter. Authorities say that they were able to collect substantial material evidence indicting abuse regarding the exam leak and that it is important to keep the best interests of the nation as a whole in mind.
The BriefWire