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Russia’s communications regulator on Tuesday began phased restrictions on Telegram, slowing parts of the service over repeated legal and security violations and unpaid fines.
According to the federal communications watchdog Roskomnadzor, the measures target Telegram’s messenger functions and will remain in place until the platform complies with national legislation and enforcement demands.
Telegram is widely used in Russia not only for private messaging but also as a broadcast and social media channel, with government institutions, public figures, and military bloggers regularly publishing updates through the service.
Roskomnadzor said Telegram does not meet Russian legal requirements on user data protection and anti-fraud controls, and that it has failed to prevent the platform’s use for what authorities describe as terrorist and criminal purposes. It added that it will continue to introduce phased restrictions until the violations are resolved.
Russian law requires certain digital platforms to store data on Russian users inside the country and to take steps against content and activity classified by authorities as criminal or terrorist-related. Officials also said they are open to working with both domestic and foreign internet companies that comply with these rules.
Law enforcement officials said Telegram’s unpaid fines for violations of Russian law now exceed 29.6 million rubles, or about $383,000, with most of the debt tied to administrative penalties and 21 enforcement proceedings opened against the company, state agency TASS reported.
Telegram founder Pavel Durov criticized the latest restrictions and linked them to efforts to move users toward a state-backed messaging platform known as Max, which is designed to integrate payments and government services.
In a public post, Durov said Russia is restricting access to Telegram in an attempt to force its citizens to switch to a state-controlled app built for surveillance and political censorship. "Restricting citizens' freedom is never the right answer. Telegram stands for freedom of speech and privacy, no matter the pressure," he added.
Russian authorities previously introduced targeted limits on Telegram services in August 2025, when some users reported problems with voice calls. At the time, Roskomnadzor said voice features were being used to deceive users, extort money, and recruit individuals for sabotage and terrorist activities.
A further wave of restrictions followed in October after officials said Telegram management ignored requests to step up anti-fraud measures. Regulators also imposed limits on WhatsApp, a messenger owned by Meta, which is designated as extremist and banned in Russia.
Telegram representatives said the platform actively works to counter malicious use, including fraud, sabotage calls, and violent activity, and removes violating content and accounts.
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