Maharashtra cyber cell urges Centre to block Wikipedia and Proton Mail

The Maharashtra police's cyber cell has written to the central government requesting it to block Wikipedia and Proton Mail due to their "repeated non-compliance" with the Information Technology Act despite being sent "multiple legal notices and warnings" regarding objectionable content and misuse for serious criminal activities.

- HT Correspondent

MUMBAI:

"The office of the Additional Director General of Police, Maharashtra Cyber, has formally written to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology recommending to block these platforms under the relevant sections of the Information Technology Act, 2000," said Yashaswi Yadav, who heads Maharashtra Cyber, in a press conference on Friday.

According to Yadav, the widespread availability of anonymized online platforms has enabled free access to information and communication, but also created opportunities for misuse, especially in the form of misinformation, online threats, cyberstalking, and the concealment of identities during criminal acts.