Instant messaging platform Telegram has begun functioning again for some users in India after the expiration of a temporary government-imposed ban. The app was restored on the Google Play Store on Tuesday morning, allowing users to download and access the service once more.
According to sources, the temporary restriction ended at midnight on June 22, and there has been no indication of any extension or modification to the original order. While Telegram became accessible to some existing users even before its return to the Play Store, the application remained unavailable on Apple’s App Store for several hours after services resumed.
The Centre had imposed the temporary ban following concerns over the circulation of fake NEET examination papers, misleading information and other fraudulent activities allegedly facilitated through the platform. Prior to the restriction, government officials reportedly met with Telegram representatives to discuss these concerns before deciding to block the application and its associated web links.
Authorities have also directed Telegram to disable its message-editing feature until June 30 as part of ongoing efforts to prevent misuse of the platform. The NEET re-examination was conducted on June 21, and no reports of examination-related fraud have emerged so far.
The temporary ban sparked debate within the technology sector, with Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov criticizing the decision and questioning the rationale behind the restriction. The development highlights the growing scrutiny faced by digital platforms over content moderation and the prevention of online misuse.