On February 10, Russia’s internet regulatory body, Roskomnadzor, announced a throttling of the popular messaging platform Telegram, citing alleged legal violations. This move appears to be part of a broader strategy by Moscow to encourage citizens to transition to a state-sanctioned alternative, known as Max, which offers a range of services including payments and government functions.
Telegram has become a vital communication tool in Russia, widely utilized for messaging and social media interactions. It serves as a platform for numerous public figures, including government officials and the Kremlin, who regularly share updates with their followers. However, the Russian government has been increasingly vocal about its intention to enforce compliance with local laws, which mandate that user data be stored within the country and that measures be taken to prevent the platform’s use for what the authorities deem “criminal and terrorist purposes.”
<h2 class="articlesub-title”>’Information operations‘
Users across Russia reported experiencing slow connectivity and delayed downloads on Telegram prior to the official announcement from Roskomnadzor. The agency stated that it would implement “phased restrictions” on the platform due to its non-compliance with Russian regulations. This is not the first time Roskomnadzor has targeted foreign services; it has previously attempted to restrict access to platforms like WhatsApp and YouTube.
Interestingly, some pro-war bloggers, who heavily rely on Telegram for communication, expressed their discontent with the decision. The Two Majors channel, a prominent military correspondent, lamented the impact on communication, stating, “People’s positions will now mostly be conveyed to the outside world not by people, but by our masters of the foreign ministry.” This sentiment was echoed by correspondent Alexander Kots, who warned that blocking Telegram could hinder Russia’s own “information operations” and recruitment efforts in Ukraine.
<h2 class="articlesub-title”>Telegram founder Durov at issue before
Pavel Durov, the Russian-born founder of Telegram, currently residing outside of Russia, took to his own channel to criticize the government’s actions. He argued that the restrictions are an attempt to coerce citizens into using a state-controlled application designed for surveillance and censorship. “Restricting citizens’ freedom is never the right answer,” he asserted, emphasizing Telegram’s commitment to freedom of speech and privacy.
Historically, Russia has attempted to ban Telegram, but these efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, leading to the lifting of a previous ban in 2020. Durov has had a contentious relationship with Russian authorities, having been ousted from VK, a social media platform he founded, due to governmental pressure. He subsequently used the proceeds from that sale to establish Telegram while living in exile in the United Arab Emirates. In 2024, Durov faced legal challenges in France related to allegations of Telegram’s involvement in criminal activities, although restrictions on his travel were lifted in July 2025 as the investigation continues.
<h2 class="articlesub-title”>’Censorship and obstruction’
Critics and human rights advocates have condemned the recent restrictions as a blatant attempt by the Kremlin to tighten its grip on internet usage in Russia, particularly amid a broader crackdown on dissent during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) characterized the actions as part of a continuous “strategy to strangle the circulation of information,” highlighting Russia’s low ranking of 171st out of 180 in its World Press Freedom Index.
Amnesty International has also denounced the throttling of Telegram, labeling it “censorship and obstruction under the guise of protecting people’s rights and interests.” The ongoing developments signal a significant shift in the landscape of digital communication within Russia, raising concerns about the implications for freedom of expression and access to information.
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