Access Now’s Natalia Krapiva was interviewed about Russia’s actions against Telegram, where Pavel Durov, the CEO, dismissed the criminal investigation as a fear-driven move by the state. Durov, currently living in the UAE, acknowledged the probe for allegedly “aiding terrorism.” He criticized the authorities for continuously fabricating reasons to restrict Telegram and infringe on privacy and free speech rights.
Access Now, known for its previous criticisms of Telegram’s security, supported Durov’s stance. Natalia Krapiva, from Access Now, expressed agreement with Durov’s claims, highlighting Russia’s suppression of freedom of expression and information access.
This isn’t the first time Durov has faced legal issues. In 2024, he was detained in Paris over allegations of illegal activities on the platform. Despite ongoing investigations, he was allowed to return to Dubai.
The recent investigation is part of Russia’s broader crackdown on Telegram, a widely used app in the country, including by Russian soldiers in Ukraine. Notably, Roskomnadzor restricted access to Telegram for non-compliance with Russian laws.
The Kremlin, without confirming details, hinted at Telegram’s involvement in terrorist activities and expressed concerns about its content posing a threat to national security. This aligns with Russia’s pattern of targeting various apps, including FaceTime, Signal, Viber, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram.
As Russia promotes its state-owned app, MAX, as an alternative, concerns arise about potential surveillance risks, especially for journalists and activists. MAX openly shares user data upon authorities’ request, prompting warnings against its use.
Despite government disruptions, Telegram remains popular in Russia, with many using VPNs to bypass restrictions. However, Russia is now targeting VPN services to limit access, aiming to establish a controlled online environment under state influence, a move criticized as restricting freedom and information flow.