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Russia is increasing pressure on the messaging app Telegram, announcing it has launched an investigation into its founder, Pavel Durov, on terrorism-related charges.
The state newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta reported that the investigation is being conducted under the “aiding terrorist activities” article of the Russian Criminal Code.
Russia is attempting to block Telegram, which has over 1 billion active users, aiming to drive millions of Russian citizens to MAX, a state-backed alternative app. Telegram management has not commented on the allegations, while the app has previously denied accusations that it “facilitates criminal activity” and is used by Western or Ukrainian intelligence services.
A lengthy article published in Rossiyskaya Gazeta, reportedly based on materials from the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), described Telegram as a “tool of hybrid threats.” The article claimed that the app is used by NATO and Ukraine, has become a platform for radical groups and terrorist organizations, and poses a threat to Russian society.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that numerous pieces of content that could pose a “potential threat” to Russia have been identified on Telegram. Peskov stated that the app’s administrators were unwilling to cooperate with Russian authorities and that the relevant agencies have taken the necessary measures.
As the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year, Russia is increasing its control over the digital realm. The Moscow government argues that restrictions on virtual private networks (VPNs) and messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram are necessary for national security. Russian officials cite alleged attacks originating from Ukraine and sabotage attempts by Western intelligence services as justification for these measures.
Founded in 2013, Telegram is widely used in Russia by both pro-government and opposition groups. The app is used for news and communication by a broad range of users, including pro-Kremlin war bloggers, pro-government accounts, opposition groups abroad, and Ukrainian officials. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is also among the active users of the platform.
41-year-old billionaire Pavel Durov, however, argued that Russia’s attempts would fail. In a statement on February 11, he claimed that Moscow was restricting access to Telegram to steer citizens towards a state-controlled application developed for surveillance and political censorship. Durov stated that Telegram would not abandon its principles of freedom and privacy, and that the pressure would not change the app’s approach.
Toncoin (TON), linked to Telegram, saw its price fall by 3.52% today, mirroring the general downward trend in the cryptocurrency market. Its losses over the past week, at 6.57%, mirrored those of other altcoins.
*This is not investment advice.