Indian Court Orders Nationwide Block of ProtonMail
An Indian court has directed the government to block access to encrypted email provider ProtonMail. The Karnataka High Court issued the order on Tuesday following a complaint from New Delhi-based M Moser Design Associates. The firm alleged its employees received obscene and vulgar emails sent via ProtonMail.
Justice M Nagaprasanna ordered the block under the Information Technology Act 2008, referencing observations made during the Tuesday court hearing streamed on YouTube.
The design firm's January complaint called for ProtonMail's regulation or blocking in India. The company reportedly refused to share sender details of the offensive emails, despite a police complaint.
Representing the Indian government, Additional Solicitor General Aravind Kamath suggested criminal courts could seek information from Swiss authorities, where ProtonMail is based.
As of now, the block has not yet been implemented, according to checks of ProtonMail's website in India.
Previous Legal Challenges for ProtonMail in India
This is not the first time ProtonMail has faced legal action in India. Last year, Tamil Nadu police attempted to block the service after it was used to send hoax bomb threats to schools. While the Indian government initially notified internet providers to block ProtonMail, Swiss authorities intervened.
ProtonMail stated at the time, "Blocking access to Proton Mail simply prevents law-abiding citizens from communicating securely and does not prevent cybercriminals from sending threats with another email service, especially if the perpetrators are located outside of India."
In October 2024, the Delhi High Court requested an investigation into ProtonMail's alleged use across the country.
