Telegram Founder Hits Back At India Ban: ‘Punishing 150 Million Users Won't Stop Exam Leaks’

New Delhi: Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Criticises India's Temporary Ban, Says It Punished Millions of Users

Telegram founder Pavel Durov has criticised the Indian government's temporary ban on the messaging platform. He quoted that the move inconvenienced millions of ordinary Indian users. And this cannot curb the spread of leaked examination papers. The tweet also sparked the reaction.

In a post on X, Durov said the week-long restriction imposed by India's Information Technology Ministry failed to achieve its objective and instead disrupted communication for more than 150 million Telegram users across the country.

"India's IT ministry banned Telegram for one week because some users shared leaked exam questions," Durov wrote.

"This punishes 150M+ ordinary Telegram users in India — not the insiders who leaked the exam materials."

Why was ban imposed?

The ban was imposed after authorities alleged Telegram for the circulated leaked papers. AND, the same was linked to a NEET UG 2026. The exam had already become the centre of a major controversy following claims that question papers were leaked before the test. It prompted authorities to cancel the results for millions of candidates. Following the situation, widespread protests occurs from the students and parents.

What he questions?

Questioning the effectiveness of the ban, Durov argued that blocking access to an entire platform amounted to collective punishment. He considered it as a failed decision to address the real source of the problem.

"And the ban hasn't stopped anything. The leaks just moved to other apps," he stated.

India’s IT ministry banned Telegram for one week because some users shared leaked exam questions.

This punishes 150M+ ordinary Telegram users in India — not the insiders who leaked the exam materials.

And the ban hasn't stopped anything. The leaks just moved to other apps. https://t.co/CzQWN4mXfb

— Pavel Durov (@durov) June 16, 2026

According to Durov, restricting a platform used by millions for communication, education and business does not solve examination fraud, as those involved in illegal activities can simply shift to alternative services.

What will be the impact?

He added that the people responsible for leaking exam materials remained largely unaffected. Although ordinary users bore the irrelevant step of the government.

Noting that, India is one of Telegram's biggest markets, with more than 150 million users relying on the platform for personal messaging, educational groups, business communication and community networks.