The Karnataka High Court has directed the Indian government to block access to Proton Mail, a Swiss-based encrypted email service, following allegations that it was used to disseminate obscene and AI-generated deepfake content targeting employees of an Indian design firm.
On April 29, Justice M. Nagaprasanna issued the order under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, instructing the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and the Ministry of Communications to initiate proceedings to block Proton Mail in India. The court also mandated the immediate blocking of specific URLs associated with the offensive content.
The case was brought forth by Bengaluru-based M Moser Design Associates, which reported that its female employees received emails containing sexually explicit language and AI-generated deepfake images. The firm alleged that Proton Mail’s refusal to disclose sender information hindered police investigations, prompting the legal action.
This is not the first instance of Proton Mail facing scrutiny in India. In 2024, authorities in Tamil Nadu sought to block the service after it was allegedly used to send hoax bomb threats to schools. However, the block was not implemented, reportedly due to interventions by Swiss authorities.
The court’s recent directive raises broader concerns about the balance between digital privacy and national security. While Proton Mail is lauded for its end-to-end encryption and commitment to user privacy, critics argue that such features can impede law enforcement efforts when the service is misused.
As of now, Proton Mail remains accessible in India. The implementation of the court’s order will depend on the government’s response and potential diplomatic discussions with Swiss authorities.
