Telegram, the popular cloud-based messaging platform, has officially returned to app stores across India, with the app now visible to users on both Android and iOS devices. Anyone who still cannot spot the app is expected to see it appear shortly, as the rollout reaches all users in phases.
The messaging app had been temporarily pulled from the Play Store and App Store in June after directions from the Indian government, which invoked Section 69A of the Information Technology (IT) Act. This provision empowers authorities to block public access to online content in the interest of national security, public order, and the sovereignty of the country.
Why Was Telegram Removed in the First Place?
The removal was linked directly to concerns around the NEET-UG re-examination, one of India’s largest and most closely watched competitive medical entrance tests. Officials feared that question papers for the re-exam could potentially be leaked through Telegram channels, prompting a precautionary block on the platform to safeguard the integrity of the exam process.
Once the NEET-UG re-examination concluded on June 22, restoration efforts began almost immediately. Google was the first to act, reinstating Telegram on the Play Store on June 23, followed shortly after by Apple, which brought the app back to the App Store.
About Telegram and the Controversies Surrounding It
Telegram is a free, cloud-based instant messaging and social media application that allows users to send and receive messages, share media files, and create large groups and channels. The platform was founded by Pavel Durov in 2013 and has since grown into one of the most widely used messaging apps globally.
Despite its popularity, Telegram has repeatedly faced allegations of hosting groups linked to hacking, cyber fraud, and scam operations. Certain features on the platform have also drawn criticism for being exploited by cybercriminals and fraudsters to target unsuspecting users. With the app now fully restored, Indian users can once again access all of Telegram’s features, including its channels and group messaging tools, without any restrictions.