Telegram faces slowdown in Russia amid content dispute

Russian authorities have taken action to slow down the messaging app Telegram, Russian Minister of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media, Maksut Shadayev, announced.

The decision comes under federal legislation, Shadayev said, noting that Telegram has ignored 150,000 requests from Russian regulators to remove content deemed illegal.

Under Russian law, messaging services operating in the country are required to store records of voice calls and message content locally and provide law enforcement with access to information under court orders. Additionally, Shadayev emphasized that Telegram is legally obliged to block illegal content within 24 hours of receiving such directives from Roskomnadzor.

Currently, the measure has resulted in slower uploads of large files on Telegram, but the app’s core functionality remains accessible, the minister said.

Shadayev also claimed that law enforcement has confirmed that foreign intelligence agencies have access to Telegram conversations, highlighting ongoing security concerns.

By Vafa Guliyeva