Telegram's Russian-born founder Pavel Durov said late Tuesday he was not going to bow to pressure from Russian authorities, writing the app "stands for freedom and privacy, no matter the pressure."
Russia's state communications watchdog said earlier in the day that the popular messaging app would face further restrictions from authorities because it failed to correct previous violations.
Then on Wednesday, a Russian court fined the messaging app around 11 million rubles (€119,500, $142,400) for refusing to remove banned content authorities regard as extremist, according to the state-run RIA Novosti.
Users reported slow traffic and lagging downloads throughout Tuesday as Russia moved to tighten controls on the key channel for both public and private communication in the country.
Regulator suggests 'phased restrictions' on Telegram
Russia's communications regulator Roskomnadzor said in a statement cited by state media that it will "continue to introduce phased restrictions" on Telegram, for not complying with Russian laws.
"As before, 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 statement said.
The laws require companies to store Russian users' data inside the country and to take steps to prevent platforms from being used for what Moscow calls criminal or "terrorist purposes."
"It is a great shame that the company is not carrying out laws that need to be observed," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.
State news agency RIA said Telegram could face increasing fines of up to 64 million rubles ($827,000, €695,000) in eight upcoming court hearings, with bailiffs also seeking to collect a further 9 million rubles in unpaid penalties.
Telegram boss says will fight back Russia attempts to limit access to app
Durov defended the app saying the measures were aimed at pushing users toward a "state-backed alternative built for surveillance and political censorship."
He was likely alluding to the MAX messenger, which was launched by Russia last year.
"Restricting citizens' freedom is never the right answer," he said. "Telegram stands for freedom of speech and privacy, no matter the pressure."
Russia had previously attempted to block Telegram but failed to restrict access and lifted the ban in 2020.
Durov's arrest in 2024 gathered high interest
Durov, who also holds French and Emirati citizenship, was arrested in France in 2024 as part of an investigation into crimes related to child pornography, drug trafficking and fraudulent transactions linked to use of the app.
Durov has denied that the app actively enabled crime.France last year also removed travel restrictions that Durov was subject to as part of the investigation.
Courtesy: DW
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
