3 min learnFeb 10, 2026 11:16 PM IST
Telegram, an necessary platform for private and non-private communications in Russia, will face additional restrictions from the authorities as a result of it has did not right earlier violations, the state communications watchdog mentioned.
The watchdog, Roskomnadzor, started limiting voice and video calls by way of Telegram final August, when it took comparable steps towards Meta’s WhatsApp. In an extra clampdown on foreign-based tech suppliers, it blocked Apple’s video-calling app FaceTime in December.
In a press release on Tuesday, Roskomnadzor mentioned various messaging apps, together with Telegram, had not taken motion over the previous few months to handle its complaints towards them.
“As earlier than, Russian regulation isn’t being noticed, private information isn’t protected, and there aren’t any efficient measures to counter fraud and the usage of the messaging app for prison and terrorist functions,” it mentioned.
“Subsequently, by choice of the licensed our bodies, Roskomnadzor will proceed to impose successive restrictions so as to guarantee compliance with Russian laws and make sure the safety of residents.”
MOSCOW RESIDENTS CONCERNED AS TELEGRAM SLOWS
Telegram, based by Russian-born entrepreneur Pavel Durov, is utilized by newsmakers of all types – together with the Kremlin, courts, media, celebrities and the exiled opposition – to distribute data immediately to a big viewers.
Army bloggers say it has additionally been used extensively by Russian troopers preventing in Ukraine. Telegram didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
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A number of Muscovites informed Reuters in avenue interviews they’d noticed the app was working much less effectively.
“I observed it clearly right this moment. My enterprise may be very tied up with it, in order that’s dangerous,” mentioned Roman, a media skilled. He mentioned it might trigger issues for Russian corporations that are likely to depend on social networks quite than electronic mail to draw new shoppers.
A younger girl, Anna, mentioned: “It’s very dangerous as a result of all my family and friends use Telegram. I don’t know the way I’m going to speak with them as a result of I don’t need to transfer to different platforms.”
State information company RIA reported individually that Telegram was dealing with fines of up to 64 million roubles ($830,000) in eight upcoming court docket hearings in reference to alleged failures to take away data required by Russian regulation. It mentioned bailiffs had been additionally searching for to gather one other 9 million roubles in earlier, unpaid fines.
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Russia has positioned curbs on foreign-based apps whereas rolling out a brand new state-backed rival known as MAX, which persons are inspired to make use of for entry to authorities companies, in addition to for messaging. Critics say MAX could possibly be used for surveillance, although state media have denied that.
Russia beforehand tried and failed to dam Telegram in 2018. It has additionally banned Meta’s Fb and Instagram, and restricted entry to YouTube, which is owned by Alphabet’s Google.