Russia's communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, announced that it will impose further restrictions on Telegram, reported Reuters.
The watchdog cited the platform's failure to comply with local laws on personal data protection and content moderation.
Last August, Russia limited Telegram's voice and video calls and blocked Apple Inc.'s (NASDAQ:AAPL) FaceTime in December.
In an interview with state media agency TASS, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "It is a great shame that the company is not carrying out laws that need to be observed."
Durov Defends Telegram's Privacy And Freedom
In response, Durov took to X and accused the Russian government of using restrictions to coerce citizens onto a surveilled alternative.
"Russia is restricting access to Telegram to force its citizens onto a state-controlled app built for surveillance and political censorship," he wrote on X.
Adding, "This authoritarian move won't change our course. Telegram stands for freedom and privacy, no matter the pressure."
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.
He pointed to Iran's failed attempt to ban Telegram eight years ago, noting that people bypassed censorship to continue using the platform. "8 years ago, Iran tried the same strategy — and failed."
8 years ago, Iran tried the same strategy — and failed. It banned Telegram on made-up pretexts, trying to force people onto a state-run alternative. Despite the ban, most Iranians still use Telegram (bypassing censorship) and prefer it to surveilled apps. Freedom prevails.
When asked about Telegram's in-chat translation feature, Durov stated that no user data is shared with Alphabet Inc.'s(NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL) Google or any third party, adding that all translations are handled privately using Telegram's own confidential computing technology.
Nothing is ever sent to Google or any other third party. Translations are performed with 100% privacy via Telegram's own confidential compute https://t.co/jDBwQNtVRy
Russia Promotes MAX While Cracking Down On Foreign Apps
Russia has imposed restrictions on foreign apps while promoting its state-backed messaging service, MAX, which is being encouraged for government services and communications, the report said.
Critics warn that MAX could enable surveillance, though state media reject those claims.
Previously, Russia attempted to block Telegram in 2018 and has also banned Meta Platforms, Inc.'s(NASDAQ:META) Facebook and Instagram and limited access to YouTube.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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