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Telegram ban in India sparks a rush to VPNs, rival apps
India's week-long ban on Telegram over exam fraud concerns led to a significant spike in VPN and rival app downloads. VPN downloads surged 49%, with Proton and Turbo VPN seeing the largest increases. Users also turned to alternatives like Signal and Viber. Despite the ban, Telegram's active users rose 17%. The ban has sparked a legal challenge in the Delhi High Court as issues of digital access and government restrictions are debated.
Key points
- India banned Telegram for a week to address fraud related to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).
- VPN downloads increased by 49% on the day of the announcement, with Proton VPN downloads surging 113% in the App Store.
- Signal’s downloads rose by 72% on Apple’s App Store following the Telegram restriction, while Viber’s increased by 216%.
- Telegram's daily active users rose by 17% on the day of the ban.
- Telegram is challenging the ban in court, arguing for targeted content moderation rather than a full platform ban.
Why it matters
- The ban mirrors global trends where governments restrict online platforms, often increasing VPN use and interest in alternative communication tools.
- Similar spikes in VPN downloads occurred in the U.S. after TikTok was briefly removed from app stores in 2025.
- The situation highlights ongoing debates about digital freedom and government intervention in digital spaces.
The Telegram ban in India underscores the delicate balance between preventing fraud and preserving digital rights, as increased VPN use reflects users' resistance to access restrictions. The outcome of the legal proceedings may set a significant precedent for future governmental control over digital platforms.