- Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, is the subject of a Russian criminal investigation for allegedly facilitating terrorist activities.
- The case centers on Telegram’s refusal to remove over 150,000 channels flagged by Russian authorities for illegal content.
- Durov claims the pressure is a push to migrate users to a new state-backed messenger app called MAX.
- The investigation could result in Telegram being labeled extremist, potentially criminalizing payments for its premium service.
- This scrutiny in Russia coincides with Durov’s ongoing legal challenges in France, where a travel ban was recently lifted.
Russian authorities have initiated a criminal investigation into Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov, citing allegations of facilitating terrorism according to state media reports. The probe, confirmed by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, is based on materials from the Federal Security Service (FSB) and follows tightened restrictions on the messenger in early February.
Consequently, this action builds on Telegram’s repeated refusal to comply with demands from regulator Roskomnadzor. The company has not removed nearly 155,000 channels and chats flagged for illegal content, according to state-linked Komsomolskaya Pravda.
Former presidential adviser German Klimenko reportedly warned this could lead to the platform being labeled extremist. Such a designation might criminalize payments for Telegram Premium subscriptions and advertising.
However, Durov has accused Russia of attacking his platform to promote a state-owned messenger called MAX. “Despite the ban, most Iranians still use Telegram and prefer it to surveilled apps,” he wrote on his channel, referencing similar strategies by other nations.
“Restricting citizens’ freedom is never the right answer. Telegram stands for freedom of speech and privacy, no matter the pressure,” Durov added. Meanwhile, the Russian investigation occurs as Durov remains part of an ongoing inquiry in France.
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