MOSCOW — Feb 11, 2026 (GeokHub) - The Kremlin on Wednesday defended new restrictions on the Telegram messaging app, saying the measures are a legal response to the platform’s failure to comply with Russian regulations.
A spokesman for the Russian presidency said the state communications watchdog was compelled to act after Telegram did not respond adequately to previous requests to align its operations with national law.
The comments came a day after the country’s communications regulator announced further limitations on the popular app, citing unresolved violations. Officials have said the action follows earlier warnings that were not addressed by the company.
Russian authorities have increasingly tightened controls on internet platforms, requiring foreign-based services to store data locally and follow content moderation rules. Platforms deemed to ignore these rules have previously faced fines or limited access under pressure from regulators.
Telegram, widely used in Russia for personal messaging and group communications, has been at the center of regulatory disputes in recent years as authorities push for greater oversight of digital services. The company has not publicly detailed any changes in response to the latest demands.
The Kremlin reiterated that compliance with Russian law is necessary for any digital platform operating in the country and that enforcement actions are driven by legal obligations rather than politics.
