- Russia has launched a felony investigation into Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, alleging the platform facilitated terrorist exercise and extremist crimes.
- The probe cites over 150,000 ignored requests to take away content material, with officers warning the platform could possibly be labeled an “extremist organisation,” doubtlessly criminalising consumer subscriptions.
- Durov dismissed the fees as a pretext to suppress free speech and push customers towards a state-monitored various referred to as MAX.
Pavel Durov is as soon as once more coping with authorized points as Russian authorities have opened a felony investigation into the Telegram CEO and co-founder.
State outlet Rossiyskaya Gazeta, citing Russia’s Federal Safety Service (FSB), said the case entails allegations that Telegram facilitated terrorist exercise. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reportedly confirmed the investigation, saying the studies had been primarily based on FSB supplies and that the company was “finishing up its features.” Telegram had not publicly responded on the time of publication.
Durov additionally stays beneath investigation in France following his arrest in August 2024. French authorities lifted his journey ban in November 2025 after beforehand indicating he might withstand 10 years in jail.
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One other Felony Investigation for Durov
Much like the allegations from French authorities, Komsomolskaya Pravda reported that Telegram has not eliminated virtually 155,000 channels, chats and bots flagged domestically for unlawful or dangerous content material.
It stated the most important classes included 104,093 flagged for “false data,” 10,598 for selling extremism, 4,168 for justifying extremist exercise, and three,771 associated to medication.
Former Russian presidential web adviser German Klimenko reportedly warned that the investigation could possibly be used to label Telegram an extremist platform. Such a designation might have sensible penalties for customers and companies, together with potential felony legal responsibility for paying for Telegram Premium subscriptions or shopping for promoting on the platform, he stated.
Durov confirmed the information in an X submit on Tuesday, however accused the state of inventing pretexts to restrict Russians’ entry to Telegram and described the marketing campaign as an effort to suppress privateness and free speech.
Durov has beforehand argued that the stress is meant to steer customers towards a brand new state-backed messenger referred to as MAX. He has additionally stated different nations, together with Iran, tried related methods however did not displace Telegram utilization.
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