Telegram CEO Alleges Internet Access Disruption Linked to Reliance

New Delhi, June 17: Telegram founder Pavel Durov has accused Reliance Industries of disrupting access to Telegram through an alleged Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) hijacking incident. The claim was made on social media and has sparked fresh debate over internet infrastructure, digital competition and platform regulation.

Reliance has not publicly responded to the allegations, and no independent verification has yet confirmed the claim.

Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) serves as the internet’s routing system. It helps direct data traffic between networks and ensures information reaches its intended destination.

Experts explain that if a network incorrectly advertises itself as the preferred route for internet traffic, data can be redirected, delayed or blocked. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as BGP hijacking.

Such disruptions can cause service outages, connection failures and slower internet performance for users.

According to Durov, the alleged routing issue impacted Telegram users outside India, including those in the United Arab Emirates.

Industry observers note that internet routing disruptions can affect multiple countries within a short period. However, establishing whether such incidents are accidental or deliberate requires detailed technical investigation.

So far, no public evidence has conclusively proven either the cause or intent behind the reported disruption.

The controversy comes as Telegram remains under temporary restrictions imposed by the Indian government.

Authorities recently suspended access to the platform until June 22, citing concerns over the use of Telegram by organised exam-fraud networks. Officials alleged that leaked material related to the NEET-UG re-examination was circulated through the platform.

The government also directed Telegram to temporarily disable certain message-editing features, arguing that they could be misused to manipulate evidence related to examination leaks.

Durov has opposed the restrictions, arguing that the measures affect millions of legitimate users while doing little to stop those responsible for the alleged fraud.

He stated that individuals involved in examination-related misconduct could simply move to alternative platforms, leaving ordinary users and businesses inconvenienced.

Government officials, however, maintain that the action is temporary and aimed at protecting the integrity of one of India’s largest competitive examinations.

At present, there is no evidence connecting Durov’s allegations against Reliance with the Indian government’s decision to restrict Telegram.

While the government’s action is linked to concerns over examination fraud, Durov’s claims focus on internet routing and connectivity issues.

Nevertheless, the timing of both developments has drawn attention to the increasingly strained relationship between Telegram and Indian authorities.

Industry experts believe any disruption to Telegram could lead some users to explore alternative messaging services. However, platforms such as WhatsApp already dominate India’s messaging market.

Telegram continues to attract users through large channels, extensive file-sharing features and community-based communication tools. As a result, analysts say a temporary disruption is unlikely to significantly alter the competitive landscape.

Experts point out that concerns related to misinformation, fraud and misuse are not limited to Telegram alone. Similar issues have affected several encrypted and private messaging platforms worldwide.

As regulators focus on tackling online abuse, compliance requirements are expected to remain a key challenge for the broader digital communication industry.