The recent order of the Karnataka court has imposed the block of ProtonMail, the well-known encrypted email service, across the entire Indian territory. This decision concerns a crucial issue: the balance between digital privacy and public security in the context of the growing spread of illicit content online.
The block of ProtonMail in India: the context
On April 29, 2025, the High Court of Karnatakaordered the immediate blocking of ProtonMail in response to a legal complaint filed by M Moser Design Associated India Pvt Ltd in January of the same year. The company reported receiving emails containing obscene language, vulgar language, AI-generated deepfake images, and sexually explicit content.
During the hearing, Judge M Nagaprasanna instructed the Indian government to initiate a formal blocking procedure under section 69A of the Information Technology Act of 2008, along with rule 10 of the procedure and safeguards for blocking public access to information, dating back to 2009. Until the outcome of this procedure, the offensive URLs of ProtonMail must be blocked immediately.
However, at the time of the ordinance, ProtonMail remains accessible in India, while the technical and specialist press closely follows possible updates.
ProtonMail and security: what changes with this block?
ProtonMail has established itself as one of the major email providers with end-to-end encryption. This means that the messages are encrypted so that only the senders and recipients can read them, ensuring a high level of privacy and data protection. No one else, not even Proton itself or external authorities, can access the contents of the emails without the direct authorization of the users.
Despite this, the company’s responsibility is demonstrated firmly against the improper use of its services. Already in the past, in 2024, ProtonMail had been threatened with similar bans in the country, after emails containing false bomb threats had been sent through the platform. On that occasion, the Swiss company had reiterated its commitment against illicit uses, clearly stating that it is opposed to the use of its services for illegal activities, in line with Swiss legislation.
The Indian regulation behind the block: section 69A and rule 10
The decision of the Court is based on section 69A of the Information Technology Act 2008, which authorizes the government to block content or entire services in case of security threats, public order, or if they have an offensive nature.
Rule 10 of the procedures related to this act defines the mechanism by which such blocking orders must be implemented, ensuring a formal and specific process before the complete suspension of the service.
The use of these regulations in combination represents a powerful legal tool that, in this case, aims to counter the spread of prohibited content, but at the same time raises debates about digital freedom and the right to privacy.
ProtonMail under the international lens: legal responsibility and encryption
It is important to highlight that ProtonMail is a company based in Switzerland, a country known for its strict privacy laws. Therefore, Proton is legally obligated to respond only to requests from Swiss authorities. It cannot transmit data to foreign governments directly, but it can cooperate with Swiss justice, which, in turn, can collaborate in international investigations for illegal activities.
This mechanism clearly explains the delicate balance between the demand for national security and compliance with data protection regulations. ProtonMail, consequently, while offering advanced encryption services, always states that users should not use the platform for purposes contrary to Swiss law.
Implications for Indian users and digital privacy
The blocking of a provider like ProtonMail in a country like India, receiving millions of daily emails, opens deep reflections on the future of digital privacy and on the management of encrypted communication platforms.
On one hand, there is the unavoidable necessity to counter the spread of offensive, dangerous, or illegal content that undermines the safety and dignity of individuals. On the other hand, the risk of censorship, limitation of digital freedoms, and loss of a reliable tool for private communications is considerable.
Such a wide block can lead to an increase in the use of less secure tools or more hidden methods for communication, with consequences that are difficult to predict. Furthermore, the case reflects the growing clash between national legislations and digital services that operate on a global scale.
A second warning for ProtonMail in India
It is not the first time that ProtonMail finds itself at the center of legal tensions in India. The previous year, a similar threat of a ban had been raised due to the sending of false bomb threats. Such episodes confirm the ongoing challenge between technological innovation and regulation, especially regarding services that guarantee anonymity and data protection.
Despite the current situation, it is not specified when and if the Indian government will complete the formal blocking procedure. In the meantime, many users and organizations are closely observing the development of the matter, which could represent an important precedent for the regulation of encrypted communication tools in India.
Future paths and possible developments
The impact of the ProtonMail blocking order remains uncertain. However, it is evident how the Indian authorities are adopting a more decisive stance towards communication services deemed potentially carriers of dangerous content.
It is possible that, in the future, a closer cooperation may emerge between governments, providers, and international bodies to ensure both public safety and the protection of digital rights. In the meantime, users are encouraged to stay informed about regulatory developments and to carefully evaluate the available alternatives.
The event thus stimulates a fundamental dialogue: how to guarantee freedom of expression and privacy in an increasingly complex digital world, while keeping society and individuals safe from the abuse of technology?
Conclusions
In summary, the blocking of ProtonMail in India poses a significant challenge for the digital world: reconciling the needs for control and protection without compromising user privacy. The situation invites reflection on the importance of balanced and transparent regulatory frameworks, which can protect rights but are capable of intervening against abuses.
Future developments could define new horizons for the governance of digital privacy, making the active involvement of institutions, providers, and citizens crucial.
