BAZA: Telegram to go dark across Russia from April 1

Telegram is set to be completely blocked across Russia from April 1, according to sources cited by BAZA.

The outlet reported, citing contacts within several government agencies, that Russia’s communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, will begin enforcing a total ban on the messaging platform.

The move is expected to mirror previous restrictions imposed on social media services such as Instagram and Facebook.

Under the reported measures, Telegram would become inaccessible throughout Russia. The application is expected to be blocked across both mobile networks and fixed-line internet connections, preventing users from loading or using the service nationwide.

Telegram is a cloud-based messaging app founded in 2013 by Russian entrepreneur Pavel Durov, designed for privacy, security, and resistance to censorship. It allows messaging, voice calls, file sharing, and large group chats or channels across devices.

The app features “secret chats” with end-to-end encryption, though this is not the default for all messages. Telegram has over one billion users worldwide and is popular for news sharing, especially in regions with restricted media.

The platform has faced legal pressure and bans in several countries, including Russia, due to its stance on privacy and handling of illegal content. Durov has resisted government demands for backdoors, emphasising user privacy as central to Telegram’s mission.

 By Aghakazim Guliyev