Telegram challenge puts spotlight on Section 69A of the IT Act
Practice PYQs on this topic
500+ questions on Polity with explanations
📌 Summary:
-
The Centre's move to block Telegram has refocused attention on Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000
-
Section 69A empowers the government to direct intermediaries to block public access to online information under specified circumstances (sovereignty/integrity, security, public order, etc.)
-
Trigger: the platform was allegedly misused for a medical entrance exam paper leak and misinformation; the temporary ban aimed to curb another paper leak during the NEET-UG retest
-
Legal challenge: Telegram has approached the Delhi High Court contesting the ban (set to last till June 22); the court has reserved its judgment
-
Tension highlighted: balancing national security/exam integrity and curbing misinformation against free speech, due process and platform accountability
🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS3 — internal security (social media, cyber governance) and GS2 — freedom of speech vs. reasonable restrictions; intermediary liability
📝 Prelims Facts:
-
Section 69A, IT Act 2000 — power to block online content; upheld in Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015) with procedural safeguards
-
Telegram ban set to last till June 22; challenge pending in Delhi High Court
-
Linked to NEET-UG retest paper-leak concerns
🔑 Key Term: Intermediary — an entity that stores or transmits data on behalf of others (e.g., social media, messaging platforms); subject to blocking orders and due-diligence obligations under the IT Act
UPSC Classification
See PYQs related to “Polity”
Every classification tag above links to actual UPSC questions asked on that topic — with answer, explanation and elimination logic. Only in the app.