Russia’s communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, began restricting the operation of Telegram on Feb. 10, targeting one of the country’s most widely used messaging platforms, Russian pro-state outlet RBC reported, citing three sources familiar with the matter.
The move fits into the Kremlin’s broader push to replace Western digital services with domestic alternatives as it advances plans for a so-called “sovereign internet,” tightening state control over online communications.
Russian lawmaker Andrei Svintsov told pro-state outlet Ostorozhno Novosti that Telegram may face restrictions because it “does not fully comply with the requirements” of Russian law, without providing details. Roskomnadzor has not publicly announced the measures.
Telegram users across Russia reported widespread disruptions for a second consecutive day. Complaints on outage-monitoring services surged to around 15,000, far above normal levels, with most users reporting problems downloading photos and videos.
Others said the app was slow to load or failed to connect altogether.
In previous cases, authorities have described such measures as “restricting the work” of an application, a term that typically refers to throttling traffic to the point that services become unusable.
Telegram, launched in 2013 by Russian-born entrepreneur Pavel Durov, is a cloud-based messaging app known for its speed and emphasis on privacy. Despite its origins, Durov left Russia years ago, and the platform operates outside the country’s jurisdiction.
A full-scale crackdown on Telegram could present challenges for the Kremlin, as Russian state-aligned media outlets rely heavily on the platform, where many have amassed millions of subscribers.
The apparent move comes amid a broader tightening of digital controls. In August 2025, Roskomnadzor effectively blocked calls via Telegram and WhatsApp, claiming the services were widely used for fraud, extortion, and recruiting citizens for sabotage activities.
In June, President Vladimir Putin signed a law creating a national digital platform centered on the state-developed Max messenger, integrated with government services. Human rights groups have warned the platform could enable mass surveillance.
As restrictions expand, many Russians increasingly rely on virtual private networks (VPN) to bypass state censorship and access blocked or throttled services.
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