India has temporarily banned the messaging app Telegram, citing its use by "anti-national and anti-social elements." This move adds India to a growing list of countries that have restricted the platform, which has become a valuable tool for dissidents, criminals, and extremists alike.

Telegram's encrypted messaging and large group channels have made it a favored communication method for various groups. In Iran, the app was blocked in 2018 amid protests, though it has since been partially accessible. Pakistan has also faced intermittent bans and restrictions on Telegram, particularly after controversial content was disseminated through the platform.

Other nations, including China and Russia, have implemented stricter internet controls and have at times blocked or throttled access to Telegram. These restrictions often stem from concerns over national security, the spread of misinformation, or the app's perceived role in facilitating illegal activities. The app's global reach and its ability to bypass censorship in some authoritarian regimes continue to make it a point of contention for governments worldwide.