The Karnataka High Court has directed the Central Government to take legal steps and block the proton mail in India. The decision approached the court with a complaint after Bangalore -based company, M Mozar Design Associates India Private Limited. The company said that unknown people were using a proton mail to send porn and derogatory emails about one of their female employees. These emails consisted of AI-borne deepfac images and clear materials, and other employees and even customers were sent.

The petitioner told the court that despite the police complaint in November 2024, the investigation had made very little progress. According to the company, this was because the proton mail user refuses to share data and does not cooperate with Indian law enforcement. The proton mail, which is operated by a Swiss company called Proton AG, is known for its strong privacy features and oblivion. The court was informed that the service allows users to create an account in 30 seconds without any ID verification.

The court was also told that the proton mail had removed its server from India, making it even more difficult for Indian authorities to take action. The petitioner argued that although the company claims that it does not work in India, it allows users to choose on its platform as a server place – it gives assumption that it operates within the country.

Justice M. Nagprasana, who heard the case, directed the Center to work under Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000, as well as Rule 10 of Information Technology (procedure and safety measures to block information by public), 2009, to block access to proton mail.

“A mandamas is issued to respondents 2, 4, and 5 (central government officials) are read with Rule 10 of Information Technology to issue proceedings in the context of Section 69A of the IT Act 2008 (Procedure and Safety Measures to block information by the public) Rules, 2009, keeping in mind the comments made in the order of order,” said the court said.

The High Court has also ordered that all the derogatory URL mentioned in the petition be blocked immediately until the Center completes the process of blocking the proton mail.

The petitioner’s counsel, Jatin Sehgal claimed that the proton mail has become a threat not only for individuals but also to national security. He also stated that in recent months, threats of bombs sent via proton mail had created concern in Indian schools. He said, “This is not only the one who suffers, it is a national threat.”

Responding to the plea, Additional Solicitor General (ASG), Arvind Kamath told the court that while the Center could start stopping the action, any request for Switzerland’s data should be rooted through appropriate legal channels under the mutual legal aid treaty (MLAT). He clarified that it depends on the investigating officer and the trial court to start that process.

The court has reserved a full decision, which will be released later.