The Karnataka High Court in India ordered the blocking of ProtonMail, an encrypted email service, after a complaint from M Moser Design Associates about obscene emails sent via the platform. The court's decision, made under the Information Technology Act 2008, followed a January complaint where the company requested the regulation or blocking of ProtonMail due to its refusal to share sender details despite a police complaint. While the block is yet to take effect, this is not ProtonMail's first legal battle in India; in 2024, a similar attempt by Tamil Nadu police was thwarted by Swiss authorities.
The Indian government's additional solicitor general suggested that criminal courts could seek information from Swiss authorities, where ProtonMail is based. ProtonMail has argued that blocking access only hinders law-abiding citizens and doesn't prevent cybercriminals from using other email services. The Delhi High Court previously investigated ProtonMail's use in India, adding to the ongoing legal complexities surrounding the service in the country.
The court's decision highlights the tension between data privacy and law enforcement's need for information. The effectiveness and legality of this block remain to be seen, given the previous failed attempt and ProtonMail's stance on user security and privacy.