Russia has begun imposing fresh restrictions on Telegram, one of the country’s most widely used messaging platforms, marking another step in the Kremlin’s long-running effort to assert tighter control over the digital space.
The country’s communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, announced that it would introduce “phased restrictions” on the app, citing alleged violations of Russian law. Officials accuse Telegram of failing to remove content deemed extremist or criminal, inadequately protecting personal data, and not doing enough to combat fraud and terrorism-related activity.
“Russian law is not being observed, personal data is not protected, and there are no effective measures to counter fraud and the use of the messaging app for criminal and terrorist purposes,” the regulator said in a statement.
Authorities say restrictions will remain in place until Telegram addresses the violations. The app is also facing mounting financial pressure. A Russian court has fined Telegram around 11 million rubles (approximately $142,000) for refusing to remove banned content. State news agencies report that the company could face additional fines of up to 64 million rubles ($830,000) in multiple upcoming hearings, with bailiffs seeking to collect unpaid penalties from earlier rulings.
Widespread Disruptions Reported
As restrictions came into force, users across Russia reported service disruptions. Thousands complained of slow performance, lagging downloads and difficulty sending messages. Monitoring platform Downdetector recorded more than 11,000 complaints within 24 hours.
For many Russians, Telegram is more than just a messaging app. It functions as a central hub for news distribution, business communications, political commentary and social interaction. The platform is used by government agencies, the Kremlin, courts, state media outlets, celebrities, opposition figures and military bloggers alike. Some Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine reportedly rely on it for communication.
Moscow residents interviewed by international media described noticeable slowdowns. One media professional said his business depends heavily on Telegram and warned that disruptions could harm companies that rely on social media rather than email for client outreach. Others expressed concern about staying in touch with friends and family if restrictions intensify.
Telegram’s Counter
Telegram’s Russian-born founder, Pavel Durov, has rejected the accusations and framed the move as politically motivated.
“Restricting citizens’ freedom is never the right answer,” Durov wrote on his Telegram channel. “Telegram stands for freedom of speech and privacy, no matter the pressure.”
He suggested the restrictions are designed to push users toward a state-backed alternative messaging platform known as MAX. According to Russian regulations, MAX must now be pre-installed on new smartphones and tablets sold in the country. Developed by VKontakte (VK)- once co-founded by Durov but now state-owned- the app offers messaging, payments and voice and video calls.
Critics argue that MAX could enable closer state surveillance of online communications. Russian state media have denied such claims, presenting the platform as a secure domestic alternative to foreign technology services.
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A Broader Strategy of Digital Sovereignty
The latest measures against Telegram are part of a broader campaign to reduce Russia’s dependence on foreign technology companies and expand what officials describe as “digital sovereignty.”
In recent years, Moscow has banned Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, restricted access to YouTube, limited WhatsApp calls and blocked Apple’s FaceTime service. Russia previously attempted to block Telegram in 2018, but technical difficulties and widespread public resistance led to the ban being lifted in 2020.
Analysts say the renewed push reflects both security concerns and political calculations. Telegram’s encrypted structure and large broadcast channels have made it a powerful tool for rapid information dissemination- including criticism of authorities. At the same time, pro-government military bloggers and state entities also rely heavily on the platform, complicating efforts to fully suppress it.
Some experts suggest Russia has studied elements of China’s tightly controlled internet model but still faces technological limitations and domestic pushback that make a comprehensive digital firewall difficult to implement.
