Moscow warns Telegram as negotiations over legal compliance continue

Russian authorities are not seeking to impose restrictions “for the sake of restrictions,” but the messaging platform Telegram must comply with national legislation or face serious difficulties, Oleg Matveychev, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Information Policy, Information Technologies and Communications of the State Duma of Russia.

Matveychev stressed that there is no intention to pursue arbitrary shutdowns or deliberate blocking of services. However, he underscored that adherence to Russian law is non-negotiable, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

“No one wants shutdowns simply for their own sake. No one wants to block anything deliberately, but if Telegram does not comply with Russian laws, it will have a hard time,” he said.

Matveychev noted that a “complex negotiation process” is currently underway with Telegram’s Russian office. In the course of these discussions, the company has indicated its willingness to bring its operations into line with Russian legal requirements.

He expressed cautious optimism that a mutually acceptable outcome could be reached once a viable technical solution and compromise are identified. “When a technical solution and a compromise are found, everyone will benefit,” Matveychev concluded, adding that the very fact that compromises are being sought is a positive development.

By Vafa Guliyeva