Russia Targets Telegram as Rift With Founder Pavel Durov Deepens

Slashdot

by msmash

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Russia has launched an investigation into Telegram founder Pavel Durov, accusing him of aiding terrorist activities and violating the law. State-run newspapers, citing materials from Russia’s FSB security service, allege that Telegram has become a tool for Western and Ukrainian intelligence services, enabling attacks in Russia. These claims have led to restrictions on Telegram's functions, as authorities push users toward Max, a state-backed messaging app. This move escalates tensions between Durov and the Kremlin, reflecting a growing effort to control platforms perceived as threats to Russian interests. The investigation marks a significant escalation in Russia’s ongoing conflict with Telegram. The platform has long faced scrutiny for its refusal to comply with government demands to censor content and provide user data for surveillance. While Telegram remains widely used in Russia despite previous bans and restrictions, the current measures aim to limit its influence further. By accusing Durov of criminal actions, Russian authorities are doubling down on their efforts to suppress a platform they view as hostile. This situation highlights broader tensions between tech platforms and authoritarian regimes over data control and privacy. For readers interested in tech, it underscores the challenges of operating digital services in Russia, where compliance with state demands is often prioritized over user privacy. The case also raises questions about global internet governance and the potential for increased censorship

Verticals

tech

Originally published on Slashdot on 2/24/2026