India’s temporary restriction on Telegram over alleged NEET-UG fraud concerns led to a sharp rise in VPN app downloads as users looked for ways to bypass the block and continue accessing the platform. According to Appfigures data cited by Moneycontrol, the top 100 VPN apps in India recorded around 919,000 downloads on June 17, the highest single-day figure since early 2025. Sensor Tower also reported a 10% day-on-day increase in VPN downloads. Popular services such as Proton VPN and Turbo VPN saw major growth, with Proton VPN climbing significantly in app store rankings. Alternative messaging apps like Signal and Viber also gained users as people searched for backup communication options. The restriction was imposed after concerns from the National Testing Agency (NTA) that Telegram was being used to spread fake NEET-UG exam materials. Telegram challenged the move in the Delhi High Court, arguing that specific content should be targeted instead of blocking the entire platform. The incident highlighted a broader trend: restricting digital platforms often pushes users toward VPNs, privacy tools, and alternative services rather than reducing demand. Telegram continues to face regulatory scrutiny in India over issues including scams, piracy, and exam-related fraud, but its large communities and content-sharing features keep it widely used.

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