Photo: Global Look Press
In his address, Durov noted that users in Russia are already actively circumventing restrictions with the help of VPNs and proxy servers. According to him, tens of millions of people continue to use the messenger despite possible blocking. He also emphasized that the Telegram team will make the app’s traffic “more difficult to detect and block.”
Earlier, the RBC edition, citing sources, reported that Russian authorities are considering blocking Telegram in early April. The publication’s interlocutors called this decision final.
Telegram is accused of sabotage and more
Representatives of the Russian authorities have repeatedly criticized the messenger. The head of the FSB, Alexander Bortnikov, said that previous contacts with Durov had failed and that there was no dialog now. According to him, the platform can be used for criminal activities, including terrorism and sabotage.
In turn, Digital Development Minister Maksut Shadaev claimed that a significant number of fraudulent crimes are allegedly committed through Telegram, and also expressed an opinion about possible access of foreign intelligence services to correspondence. The company denied these allegations, calling them unreliable.
In addition, Roskomnadzor accused Telegram of “creating conditions for the illegal distribution of personal data”.
The messenger should be “flexible”
The Kremlin emphasizes that the service must comply with local laws in order to continue operating in Russia. Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the company needs to “be in flexible contact” with the authorities. Otherwise, the blocking can be considered a legal measure.
