Facebook has alleged that the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has blocked emails from its websites through which people shared their views on differential pricing for data services, PTI reported. After TRAI circulated a consultation paper on differential pricing – a key issue of net neutrality – the social media giant began aggressively promoting its Free Basics service, through which it aims to provide free access to select websites and applications.

In a letter to the telecom regulator, Facebook said millions of Indians had tried to send their comments, but “someone with access to a designated TRAI email account appears to have blocked receipt of all emails from Facebook to that TRAI account”, according to officials. The letter added that this move prevented Facebook from sending any further emails on the subject to the regulator.

The deadline for public comments on the TRAI paper was extended to January 7. While TRAI said it received only 1.89 million emails containing responses on the subject from facebookmail.com and supportfreebasics.in, Facebook claimed more than 11 million supported Free Basics.