Russian authorities have begun restricting access to Telegram, one of the country’s most widely used messaging platforms, according to CNN. Officials say the move is meant to protect citizens and combat criminal and terrorist activity.
Russia’s communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, accused Telegram of failing to remove prohibited content and said restrictions will remain until alleged violations are addressed.
Russia is restricting access to Telegram to force its citizens onto a state-controlled app built for surveillance and political censorship. This authoritarian move won’t change our course. Telegram stands for freedom and privacy, no matter the pressure.
— Pavel Durov (@durov) February 10, 2026
State news agency TASS reported the company faces fines totaling 64 million rubles. Users reported widespread outages, with Downdetector logging more than 11,000 complaints in 24 hours.
Telegram founder Pavel Durov rejected the claims, accusing Moscow of pushing citizens toward Max, a state-backed messaging app now required on new smartphones. Max was developed by VK, a company Durov co-founded before leaving Russia.
Analysts told CNN the Kremlin has long sought tighter control over digital platforms. Critics warn tech-savvy Russians may bypass restrictions using VPNs.
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TIPP Staff
