US EditionRussia Plans to Block Telegram in April, Sources Say
- On April 1, 2026, Russian authorities plan to permanently block the messaging app Telegram, with two sources close to the Kremlin describing the decision as final, RBC reported.
- Authorities say the move responds to security concerns, with Telegram and its founder Pavel Durov denying claims, saying Russia fabricates pretexts for a ban.
- Roskomnadzor has already restricted features by blocking voice and video calls and throttling download speeds earlier this month, while telecom industry sources say major internet and mobile providers were informed and users can still bypass limits using VPNs.
- Telegram's widespread use means blocking affects around 90 million users in Russia, but multiple sources say it may remain accessible to Russian soldiers on the front amid differing government views.
- Roskomnadzor declined to confirm the reports, and it is unclear how the technical implementation of partial exceptions for soldiers would work, while pro-war bloggers and Russian soldiers have questioned the restrictions.
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Telegram messenger until April 1 of this year will become unavailable to most Russians.
According to RBK, after April, Telegram will only operate on the front line.
The Russian regime has allegedly already set a date for blocking the Telegram messenger in Russia. This will happen in early April of this year, according to RBC-Ukraine, citing Russian media reports. Read also: Digital "Knock-Off": The FSB Will Be Able to Completely Shut Down the Internet and Communications in Russia. It is reported that Russian authorities may attempt to completely block the messenger as early as early April. Sources close to …
Russian Government Plans to Block Telegram in April, Sources Say
Russia plans to block Telegram this spring amid government calls to tighten media controls over claims the messaging app serves as a haven to criminals and is being used by foreign intelligence services as a tool of “hybrid warfare” against the country, Russian media reported Thursday, citing anonymous sources familiar with the matter.
The Russian authorities have taken the "final decision" to block the Telegram Massger since the beginning of April, approving the RBC and The Be...
Russian authorities set a deadline for blocking the Telegram messenger
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- 72% of the sources lean Left
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