Analysis: Stretching ‘information’ to include Telegram (opens original article in a new tab)

The Indian government blocked Telegram during the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination by redefining 'information' under the IT Act to include entire platforms, a move endorsed by the Delhi High Court despite concerns about disproportionate impact on users.

• The Indian government temporarily blocked Telegram to protect the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination by redefining 'information' under the IT Act to include entire platforms
• The Delhi High Court endorsed this interpretation, stating that Section 69A allows blocking of software architecture and databases of an application
• Telegram argued that the ban disproportionately affected legitimate users and educational content sharing
• The court ruled the ban was proportionate due to Telegram's structural features enabling misuse during the exam period