Russian authorities pressure Telegram with fines, slowdowns, and a criminal case against its founder

Russian authorities have taken multiple actions against the Telegram messaging app. A Moscow court fined Telegram 7 million rubles, and the state communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, confirmed it has begun slowing down the app's service in Russia. Separately, state media reported that a criminal case has been opened against Telegram's founder, Pavel Durov, for allegedly promoting terrorism.

Officials from the Kremlin and the State Duma commented on the situation. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed regret that Telegram does not comply with Russian law. A deputy in the State Duma said Telegram must meet certain conditions to continue operating, which include responding to official requests to remove content. The head of the FSB security service criticized Durov, and the agency claimed Ukraine can access information Russian soldiers post on Telegram.

The State Duma passed a bill giving the FSB the power to order telecom operators to cut communications. Officials stated that Telegram has ignored over 150,000 requests to delete banned content. Some reports suggested Telegram could face a full block in Russia, but other officials called those rumors false.