Is India’s Proton Mail Ban a War on Encryption?

Did you know India is trying to block Proton Mail, the encrypted email service? This move has sparked a huge debate about privacy vs. security. Here’s what’s going on:

Why the Ban?

The Karnataka High Court ordered the block after Proton Mail was used to send obscene emails and hoax bomb threats. Its end-to-end encryption—like a locked diary only the sender and receiver can open—makes it tough for police to track culprits.

The Bigger Picture

This isn’t just about one app. India’s been pushing to control encryption for years, with laws like the IT Rules, 2021, demanding platforms like WhatsApp reveal message senders. It’s a tug-of-war:

Government: Wants access to catch criminals.

Privacy advocates: Say encryption protects our rights.

What’s at Stake?

Banning Proton Mail could limit secure communication for law-abiding users while criminals might just switch tools. It’s a tricky balance—security or freedom?

What do you think? Is this about safety, or is encryption under attack?

Share your thoughts below!

References:

TechCrunch: Indian court orders blocking of Proton https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/29/indian-court-orders-blocking-of-proton-mail/

MailMedianama: Karnataka High Court Orders Proton Mail Block https://www.medianama.com/2025/04/223-karnataka-court-orders-encrypted-proton-mail-ban/