By Euronews

Published on 10/02/2026 - 16:49 GMT+1

Russia's internet watchdog said on Tuesday that it was throttling the Telegram messaging platform over alleged legal violations, as Moscow steps up efforts to steer people toward a more tightly controlled domestic online service.

Authorities have repeatedly threatened foreign tech platforms with forced slowdowns or total bans if they fail to comply with Russian regulations.

They require companies to store Russian users' data within the country and to take steps to stop their services being used for what Moscow calls "criminal and terrorist purposes".

Critics and rights groups say the measures are a transparent attempt by the Kremlin to expand surveillance and tighten control over internet use, amid a broad crackdown on dissent during the war in Ukraine.

In a statement carried by state media, the communications regulator Roskomnadzor said it would "continue to introduce phased restrictions" on Telegram, adding that the platform had not complied with the country's laws. It did not provide further detail.

Telegram remains widely used in Russia both as a messaging service and as a social media platform, with most major public figures — including government agencies and the Kremlin — posting regular updates.

Yet Moscow is promoting a state-backed competitor called Max, which integrates messaging with payments and access to government services.

Telegram users across Russia reported slower traffic and delayed downloads on Tuesday, hours before Roskomnadzor's announcement.

The regulator has also sought to throttle other foreign platforms, including Meta-owned WhatsApp and Google's YouTube.

Controversial founder

Russia previously attempted to prohibit Telegram — founded by Russian-born entrepreneur Pavel Durov, who also holds French and Emirati citizenship — but ultimately failed to block access and lifted the ban in 2020.

Durov has long clashed with Russian authorities and was forced to relinquish control of VK, a social network often described as Russia’s equivalent of Facebook, under government pressure.

He used the proceeds from the sale to launch Telegram in 2013 while living in exile in the United Arab Emirates.

In 2024, Durov was detained in Paris as part of a French investigation into Telegram’s alleged complicity in criminal activity.

France lifted travel restrictions on him in July 2025, although the investigation remains ongoing.

Last week, Madrid accused Telegram of spreading misinformation after Durov sent an in-app message to all users in Spain criticising draft social media legislation proposed by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.