Karnataka HC Stays Proton Mail Blocking Order, Cites No Justification for Full Shutdown

• Karnataka High Court granted interim relief to Proton Mail, staying immediate action to block the encrypted email provider in India.
• A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Vibhu Bhakru and Justice CM Poonacha ruled that a full shutdown is not appropriate at this stage.
• The case stems from a petition by M Moser Design Associates India, alleging employees received vulgar emails via Proton Mail, causing reputational harm.
• Earlier, a single-judge bench had raised concerns about Proton Mail's anonymity features potentially hindering authorities in tracing users involved in unlawful activity.
• Proton Mail argued it complies with valid legal requests and has now submitted its response, with the High Court seeking a response from the Central government.