Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov has alleged that users outside India experienced disruptions in accessing Telegram due to internet routing changes made through the network of Reliance Industries. The claim comes days after the Indian government temporarily restricted Telegram services in connection with concerns surrounding the NEET re-examination.
In a post on social media, Durov stated that the issue extended beyond India's borders and affected users in multiple regions. He described the incident as a possible case of “BGP hijacking,” a networking issue in which internet traffic is redirected through unintended routes, potentially causing service disruptions. According to Durov, Telegram had informed the concerned network operator about the issue, but it remained unresolved.
The controversy follows the government's decision to temporarily block Telegram until June 22 and disable certain platform features amid concerns over the circulation of leaked examination material. Durov had earlier criticized the move, arguing that restricting access to the platform would inconvenience millions of legitimate users without addressing the source of the leaks.
Durov also raised questions about potential competitive implications, noting that Meta Platforms, the parent company of WhatsApp, has invested in Jio Platforms. WhatsApp remains Telegram's largest competitor in India and several global markets.
At present, Durov has not released detailed technical evidence supporting his allegations. Reliance Industries has not issued a public response, and independent verification from internet monitoring organizations is still awaited.
If substantiated, the allegations could trigger broader discussions around internet routing practices, telecom network governance, digital platform neutrality, and the global implications of government-directed service restrictions.
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