MOSCOW, Feb 24 (GeokHub) – The Kremlin said Russian authorities have documented numerous legal violations by the messaging platform Telegram, signaling potential further action against the widely used app.
Officials stated that regulators are responding to what they described as the company’s unwillingness to comply with Russian legal requirements. The remarks follow reports from state-run media that an investigation has been launched into Telegram founder Pavel Durov in connection with an ongoing criminal case related to alleged facilitation of terrorist activities.
The reports cited Russia’s Federal Security Service as being involved in the inquiry.
Platform Pushes Back on Allegations
Telegram, which maintains a significant user base in Russia and across former Soviet states, has denied recent claims made by Russian authorities. The company has rejected accusations that its platform serves as a hub for criminal operations or that it has been compromised by foreign intelligence agencies.
The dispute marks the latest chapter in a long-running tension between Russian authorities and digital platforms over content moderation, data access and compliance with national regulations.
Digital Regulation in Focus
Russia has in recent years tightened oversight of online platforms, requiring companies to adhere to local data storage laws and remove prohibited content. Authorities have previously taken enforcement actions against global technology firms accused of failing to comply with these rules.
The current situation underscores broader global debates about platform accountability, encryption and government oversight of messaging services.
For now, it remains unclear what specific penalties or regulatory measures could follow, but the Kremlin’s latest statement suggests that scrutiny of Telegram’s operations in Russia is intensifying.
