Russian communications regulators announced on the 10th that they are imposing restrictions on the global messaging platform Telegram.
▲ Telegram
The Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media (Roskomnadzor) confirmed the implementation of phased measures against Telegram.
Russian media outlets have reported that authorities have begun throttling Telegram’s speed.
TASS news agency, citing data from DownDetector, a service that monitors internet connectivity, reported that Russian users filed 11,106 complaints related to Telegram over the past 24 hours.
Roskomnadzor accused Telegram of failing to comply with regulations requiring foreign platforms to store Russian users’ data on servers within Russia.
The agency also alleged that Telegram has not taken sufficient action to prevent its service from being exploited for fraud, criminal activities, and terrorism.
Officials emphasized that restrictions will remain in place until Telegram complies with Russian laws and ensures adequate protection for citizens.
According to RIA Novosti, citing the Moscow Tagansky District Court, Telegram faces potential fines of up to 64 million rubles (approximately 1.2 billion KRW or 816,000 USD) for failing to comply with information removal requirements and committing eight administrative violations.
TASS reported that Telegram’s outstanding fines for violating Russian law amount to 29.6 million rubles (approximately 550 million KRW or 374,000 USD).
Since launching its “special military operation” in Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has intensified its crackdown on social media, blocking access to Western platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube within its borders.
Telegram, created by Russian entrepreneur Pavel Durov, has become one of the most popular messaging apps in Russia alongside Meta’s WhatsApp. It has served as a critical communication tool for government institutions and news outlets, even after the Ukraine conflict began.
However, Russian authorities escalated pressure last August by disabling Telegram and WhatsApp’s voice calling features.
Real-time popular articles
- Nam Hyun-hee asserts: “The collapse of my marriage was due to infidelity… I will disclose everything.”
- Shocking incident: Middle-aged couple caught conducting surveillance outside a temple… Raises questions about their mental state
- Good intentions lead to unexpected consequences: The surprising outcome of releasing fish back into the water
ⓒ SBS & SBS i: Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited
Most Commented