Maharashtra Cyber Dept Seeks Ban On ProtonMail, Wikipedia Over National Security Concerns

Mumbai: Amid rising concerns over the misuse of secure communication platforms by terrorist organizations and cybercriminals, the Maharashtra Cyber Department has written to the Central Government, requesting a ban on ProtonMail and Wikipedia within India. The cyber unit has cited non-cooperation during ongoing investigations as the primary reason for the request.

According to Maharashtra Cyber officials, ProtonMail a secure, encrypted email service headquartered in Switzerland was repeatedly used to send hoax bomb threats to flights in Mumbai and other parts of the country. Despite sending five official requests for user data, no response was received from ProtonMail.

Cyber police allege that the platform is increasingly being exploited by terrorists to issue threats and by cyber fraudsters to target innocent citizens under the veil of privacy. “The refusal to share essential user data is seriously hampering investigations,” an official said, adding that ProtonMail has a history of non-cooperation with global law enforcement agencies.

In a related development, Maharashtra Cyber has also raised objections to controversial and objectionable content related to prominent state personalities on Wikipedia. A criminal case has already been registered, and despite sending five official requests seeking assistance and the removal of defamatory content, the department claims Wikipedia has remained unresponsive.

As a result, the department has now issued a formal summons demanding either the removal of the offensive material or submission of relevant evidence. Officials have warned that failure to cooperate may lead to the suspension of Wikipedia’s services within India.

Additional Director General of Police (ADG) Yashasvi Yadav said, “Misinformation regarding Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was recently published on Wikipedia. We have sent multiple communications to Wikipedia's administrators but have not received the necessary cooperation.”

Authorities emphasised that holding online platforms accountable is critical for maintaining national security and public order, especially when these platforms are used to disrupt peace and aid criminal activities.