Thu May 29 18:19:44 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewritten news article:
**Summary:**
The Karnataka High Court in India has ordered the Union government to block Proton Mail within India following a case where the encrypted email platform refused to provide information regarding users allegedly harassing a woman. Despite the order, the service remains largely accessible. The court emphasized the need to address the misuse of such platforms, criticizing Proton Mail’s lack of cooperation and compliance with Indian law. The government, while agreeing to the order, cited the need for proper procedure and consideration of international relations. Proton Mail has had prior engagement with the Indian government.
**News Article:**
**Karnataka High Court Orders Proton Mail Block Amid Harassment Case**
*New Delhi, May 29, 2025* – The Karnataka High Court has released its full written judgement ordering the Indian government to block the encrypted email service Proton Mail. The ruling stems from a case where Proton Mail allegedly refused to cooperate with an investigation into the online harassment of a woman, sparking a debate over digital accountability and international jurisdiction.
The court order, issued last month but only fully detailed on Thursday, accuses Proton Mail of becoming a “menace” by providing a platform for anonymous harassment without adequate means of accountability. It specifically cites a case where a Bengaluru-based firm, M Moser Design Associates, received multiple abusive and sexually explicit emails targeting a senior female executive from anonymous Proton Mail accounts.
Despite formal complaints to both Proton Mail and the police, the company allegedly declined to provide information that could identify the perpetrators, citing Swiss privacy laws. This lack of cooperation prompted the court to declare that it “cannot remain mute spectators” in the face of such digital abuse.
While the Additional Solicitor General of India agreed with the need for action, he emphasized the importance of adhering to proper legal procedures and considering the delicate balance of international relations between India and Switzerland. Reportedly, Swiss authorities have previously engaged with the Indian government regarding Proton’s operations in India.
However, despite the High Court’s order, Proton Mail remains largely accessible across India, with security researchers noting that most internet service providers have yet to implement the block.
Proton AG, the company behind Proton Mail, has not yet issued a formal statement following the release of the full judgement. The company previously stated that the High Court order was not related to discussions Swiss representatives had with India last year.
The court’s ruling highlights the growing challenge of balancing privacy concerns with the need to combat online harassment and hold digital platforms accountable under the law. The case has opened a discussion about the responsibilities of international technology companies operating within Indian jurisdiction.
First Piper 