Telegram Returns to India’s Google Play Store After Week-Long Government Ban

Telegram returned to the Google Play Store in India on Tuesday, ending a week-long absence following a government-mandated block. The messaging application is once again available for download for Android users across the country, which represents one of the platform’s largest global markets with over 100 million users. Regulatory Scrutiny and Restoration The application was previously removed from the digital storefront as federal authorities launched investigations into its potential misuse. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) had raised concerns regarding the platform’s role in facilitating illegal activities, including gambling, extortion, and the distribution of unauthorized content. The restoration of the app follows reports that Telegram has been cooperating with Indian law enforcement agencies. Specifically, authorities sought information regarding channel administrators suspected of violating local IT laws. While the app is back on the store, it remains under the observation of the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure compliance with the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and…