Russia Acknowledges Taking Actions Against Telegram
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday that the media oversight body Roskomnadzor had begun enforcing measures against Telegram because “there is a law that must be followed” and service providers are required to comply with all applicable legislation.
“We know that we are in contact with people from Telegram, but if there is no response, then Roskomnadzor will take action, again in accordance with our legislation,” Peskov added, noting that “one can only express regret here, there is nothing good about this, but the law must be followed.”
Over the weekend, Russian users reported major disruptions on Telegram, with videos and photos failing to send and multiple bots experiencing severe delays. On Tuesday, Roskomnadzor confirmed that restrictions on the platform would remain in effect until Telegram meets the country’s legal requirements.
A Moscow court on Wednesday also ruled that Telegram had failed to block or remove content prohibited in Russia, imposing a fine of 10.8 million rubles ($139,757) on the service.
Telegram founder Pavel Durov criticized the legal actions, stating that his company “stands for freedom of speech and privacy, no matter the pressure.”
Russian authorities have repeatedly accused Telegram and Meta’s WhatsApp of applying double standards in responding to data requests. According to officials, the two services routinely refuse Russian law enforcement requests related to fraud and terrorism while simultaneously “promptly” providing information to foreign intelligence agencies.
Additionally, these messaging platforms have allegedly been exploited by Ukrainian intelligence to recruit and pressure Russian citizens, including the elderly, into participating in sabotage activities.
Officials have encouraged the public to transition to the domestically developed MAX messenger, promoting it as a secure alternative to foreign apps that could help reduce online fraud and enhance Russia’s digital sovereignty.
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