Russia has launched a criminal investigation against Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram. He is accused of enabling terrorist activity through the messaging platform. Authorities have claimed that extremist groups used Telegram to share illegal content. According to them, Durov has ignored all requests to remove this content.
Durov has denied the accusations, stating that Telegram does remove content that violates its policies. This incident has shed light on Moscow’s long-running tensions with the platform over regulation and digital control.
Russian investigators claim that Telegram operates channels that spread extremist content. National law enables authorities to prosecute individuals who assist terrorists through their communication activities. Durov, the platform's founder, is responsible for its decision to limit security forces’ access to its operations.
Durav, on the contrary, has called the investigation a politically driven effort. He mentioned this action as “A sad spectacle of a state afraid of its own people.” According to the Telegram owner, privacy protections must remain intact because they are essential human rights.
Russia has repeatedly expressed concern over encrypted platforms. Officials have argued that end-to-end encryption limits their ability to prevent attacks and monitor threats. In recent years, Telegram has faced restrictions and regulatory pressure, with authorities stating that it “potentially poses a danger to our country.” Based on the recent debates, an official, Dmitry Peskov, has stated, “the relevant agencies are taking measures they deem appropriate.”
In contrast to criticizing Telegram, Moscow is promoting domestic alternatives like MAX. It is a state-backed messaging service that the Russian government considers a secure, regulation-friendly option. The government has said that this platform aligns better with national security needs. Critics, however, warn that they may allow greater state oversight of user data.
Russian authorities repeatedly mentioned that the investigation is necessary for public safety. Considering this perspective, encrypted apps can be misused by extremist groups. However, some individuals view this move as an attempt to tighten control over online communication. Telegram is widely used across Russia for sharing news and daily messaging. It is an app that the Putin government failed to access and monitor.
Whether these allegations are genuinely out of security concerns or are rooted in an effort to exert greater control over digital platforms remains uncertain. However, the outcome of the dispute will greatly shape the future of online communication freedom in Russia.