Russia accuses Telegram founder of aiding terrorism in its latest online crackdown
Summary
Russian security officials have charged Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, with helping terrorism by not removing channels allegedly used for attacks and sabotage. The Kremlin is increasing control over digital communication after the invasion of Ukraine, and it has added Durov to international wanted lists.Key Facts
- Pavel Durov, Telegram’s founder and CEO, faces terrorism-related charges in Russia.
- Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) claims Telegram hosts channels used by Ukrainian intelligence and extremist groups for sabotage and terrorism.
- The FSB says Kyiv uses a Telegram chatbot to recruit Russians for illegal acts, and 46 people have been detained.
- Durov lives in Dubai and holds French and UAE citizenship; Telegram is based in Dubai.
- Telegram was previously blocked in Russia from 2018 to 2020 but remained popular.
- Other social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X, and messaging apps such as Signal and Viber are banned or restricted in Russia.
- Russia promotes a national messaging app named Max, which shares user data with authorities and lacks strong encryption.
- Activists’ protests against messaging restrictions, including on Telegram, have been largely suppressed by Russian authorities.
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