Karnataka HC Directs Centre to Block Proton Mail Over Cyber Abuse Concerns

The Karnataka High Court has ordered the Centre to initiate proceedings to block Switzerland-based encrypted email service Proton Mail under Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000, r/w Rule 10 of the IT Blocking Rules.

The court issued the directive following a petition by Bengaluru-based M Moser Design Associates India Pvt Ltd, which reported receiving vulgar emails, including AI-generated deepfake images, targeting its employees and clients.

The government acknowledged the issue, referring to the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty with Switzerland for data requests, and said it would comply with court directions. The Court also ordered the immediate blocking of the offending URLs.