Russia Targets Telegram as Rift With Founder Pavel Durov Deepens

Source: Slashdot

Investigation into Pavel Durov

Russia has opened an investigation into Telegram founder Pavel Durov for “abetting terrorist activities,” [non‑paywalled source] in the latest sign that his uneasy relationship with the Kremlin has broken down.

Allegations

Two Russian newspapers—Rossiiskaya Gazeta (state‑run) and Komsomolskaya Pravda (Kremlin‑friendly tabloid)—reported on Tuesday that the messaging app had become a tool of Western and Ukrainian intelligence services. The articles, citing material from Russia’s FSB security service, accused Telegram of enabling attacks inside Russia and said that Durov’s “actions … are under criminal investigation.”

Government Response

• Russia has restricted Telegram’s functions, accusing the platform of flouting the law.
• Authorities are promoting Max, a state‑run rival messenger, in an effort to divert users away from Telegram.

These steps increase pressure on a platform that remains deeply embedded in Russian public life.