Russia’s internet regulatory body, Roskomnadzor, has announced a significant move to throttle the popular messaging platform Telegram, citing alleged violations of national law. This action is part of a broader strategy by Moscow to encourage the use of a more tightly controlled domestic online service.
Regulatory Pressures and Compliance Issues
The Russian government has been vocal about its intentions to impose restrictions on various internet platforms, threatening them with slowdowns or outright bans if they fail to adhere to local regulations. These laws mandate that data concerning Russian users be stored within the country and that measures be taken to prevent the platform’s use for what the Kremlin labels as “criminal and terrorist purposes.”
Critics, including rights advocates, argue that these regulations are a thinly veiled attempt by the Kremlin to enhance its control and surveillance over internet usage in Russia, particularly amid a broader crackdown on dissent linked to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In a statement reported by state media, Roskomnadzor indicated that it would “continue to introduce phased restrictions” on Telegram, asserting that the platform has not complied with the stipulated laws. Telegram, which serves as both a messaging app and social media platform, is widely utilized across Russia, with nearly all major public figures, including government entities, actively engaging with their audiences on the service.
The Push for Domestic Alternatives
In a strategic shift, Moscow is promoting a state-backed competitor known as Max, which offers functionalities that extend beyond messaging, including payment processing and access to government services. This initiative reflects a growing trend to consolidate online activities within platforms that are more easily monitored by the state.
Interestingly, Russia has a history of attempting to ban Telegram, which is operated by Pavel Durov, a Russian entrepreneur with French and Emirati citizenship. Previous efforts to block access to the platform were ultimately unsuccessful, leading to the lifting of the ban in 2020.
On the day of the announcement, Russian users reported experiencing slow traffic and lagging downloads on Telegram, indicating the immediate impact of the regulatory actions. Roskomnadzor has previously targeted other foreign services, including WhatsApp, owned by Meta, and YouTube, owned by Google, in similar efforts to enforce compliance.
Pavel Durov’s Ongoing Challenges
Pavel Durov’s relationship with Russian authorities has been fraught with tension. He was ousted from VK, a social media platform he founded that is akin to Facebook, due to governmental pressure. Subsequently, Durov utilized the proceeds from that sale to establish Telegram while in exile in the United Arab Emirates.
In a twist of events, Durov faced legal troubles in France, where he was detained in 2024 as part of an investigation into Telegram’s alleged involvement in criminal activities. Although France lifted travel restrictions on him in July 2025, the investigation remains ongoing, adding another layer of complexity to Durov’s already challenging situation.
