The head of Russia’s FSB security service has intensified the government’s rhetoric against Telegram, accusing its founder, Pavel Durov, of enabling criminal activities on the platform. This accusation marks a significant escalation as Moscow seeks to impose stricter controls on the widely-used messaging service.
In recent developments, Russia’s state communications regulator has implemented restrictions on Telegram, citing the company’s alleged failure to remove extremist content. Telegram has become a crucial tool for both public and private communication in Russia, making these restrictions particularly impactful.
In response to the accusations, Telegram has claimed that Russian authorities are leveraging false justifications to undermine its operations, while simultaneously promoting a state-owned messaging alternative known as MAX.
FSB’s Claims and Telegram’s Defense
FSB chief Alexander Bortnikov voiced his concerns in an interview with a Russian journalist, suggesting that Durov is prioritizing personal interests that lead to numerous legal infractions. Bortnikov highlighted various crimes purportedly facilitated through Telegram, including juvenile delinquency, terrorist acts, and sabotage, asserting that Durov’s actions amount to tacit approval of these activities.
Bortnikov lamented the lack of productive dialogue with Durov, indicating that previous attempts to engage with him had proven unsuccessful. Telegram has yet to issue a comment regarding Bortnikov’s latest statements.
In a related development, the communications regulator has begun to slow down Telegram’s functionality, claiming the platform has not adequately responded to earlier warnings. Additionally, a government minister recently raised concerns about the app’s security, alleging that foreign intelligence services could intercept messages sent by Russian soldiers. Telegram firmly refuted this claim, stating, “No breaches of Telegram’s encryption have ever been found.”
The app is notably popular among Russian soldiers, war correspondents, and politicians, who utilize it for both personal communication and operational coordination in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Telegram’s response to the government’s allegations emphasized that the claims of compromised encryption are fabrications aimed at justifying a crackdown on the platform, pushing citizens towards a state-controlled messaging service designed for surveillance and censorship.
In addition to Telegram, Russian authorities have also restricted other foreign messaging applications, including Meta’s WhatsApp and Apple’s FaceTime. They have encouraged citizens to transition to MAX, dismissing claims that it serves as a surveillance tool.
Despite the ongoing campaign against Telegram, it remains a favored platform for disseminating information among Russian authorities, including the Kremlin and the defense ministry. Meanwhile, ordinary users have found ways to bypass these restrictions by utilizing virtual private networks (VPNs).
