Google Restores Telegram on Play Store, Services Resume for Many Users

New Delhi, Jun 23: Instant messaging platform Telegram resumed operations in India on Tuesday after the expiry of a temporary government imposed restriction, with Google restoring the application on the Play Store in the early hours of the day.

The platform became available to users following the conclusion of the ban period at midnight on June 22. While some existing users had already begun regaining access to the service, the app’s return to Google’s marketplace marked the formal restoration of availability for Android users.

However, Telegram remained unavailable on Apple’s App Store until around 10 a.m., with no immediate clarification from the company regarding the delay. An email seeking comments from Apple did not receive a response at the time of reporting.

The Centre had earlier ordered a temporary suspension of Telegram and its associated web services after concerns were raised over the platform’s alleged role in facilitating the circulation of leaked examination papers, misleading content and other fraudulent activities linked to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).

According to official sources, the government has not extended the restriction period, and the original order expired as scheduled on June 22. As a result, access to the platform has now been restored.

Before the action was taken, government officials reportedly held discussions with Telegram representatives on June 3, highlighting concerns over misuse of the platform and seeking stronger compliance measures. Following the meeting, authorities directed internet service providers and app marketplaces to block Telegram and its web-based services for a limited period.

In addition to the temporary suspension, Telegram was instructed to disable its message-editing feature until June 30 as part of efforts aimed at preventing the manipulation or alteration of content related to examination materials and other sensitive information.

The government had linked the restrictions to concerns surrounding the integrity of the NEET examination process. Officials maintained that stricter monitoring was necessary to curb the spread of leaked papers and false information that could undermine public confidence in the national-level entrance test.

The NEET re-examination was conducted on June 21 under heightened surveillance and security arrangements. Authorities have so far not reported any major incidents of malpractice or unauthorised dissemination of examination-related content during the process.

Meanwhile, Telegram founder and Chief Executive Officer Pavel Durov publicly criticised the government’s decision to impose the temporary restriction. He argued that penalising an entire platform because of the actions of a limited number of users was disproportionate.

Durov also alleged that business interests linked to competing messaging services may have influenced the move. His remarks generated debate within the technology industry, although no evidence has been officially presented to support the claims.

The episode has once again highlighted the growing challenge faced by regulators and technology companies in balancing user privacy, platform accountability and public interest. While authorities have emphasised the need to protect the integrity of critical examinations, digital rights advocates continue to raise concerns about broad restrictions on communication platforms.

With services now restored, Telegram users across India are gradually regaining full access to the messaging application. The company is expected to continue engaging with authorities on compliance measures aimed at preventing misuse of the platform while ensuring uninterrupted service for its users.