Pavel Durov, the Russian-born founder of Telegram, said Tuesday that Russian authorities have opened a criminal case against him for allegedly aiding terrorism, marking a sharp escalation in the government’s longstanding confrontation with the encrypted messaging platform. The development signals renewed efforts by Moscow to assert control over digital communications widely used across the country.
The investigation comes as Russia intensifies restrictions on Telegram and WhatsApp, the nation’s two most widely used messaging services. Authorities have promoted Max, a state-backed messaging alternative, as part of a broader strategy to shift users toward domestic platforms, a move critics warn could weaken privacy protections and expand government surveillance.
Russia has attempted to curb Telegram’s operations for several years, primarily due to its refusal to provide encryption backdoor access to the FSB. The government has argued that encrypted platforms can be exploited for criminal and extremist activities, while Telegram has maintained its commitment to user privacy and data protection.
The dispute reflects a broader trend in Russia’s tightening control over digital infrastructure, particularly since the start of its military offensive in Ukraine four years ago. Authorities have expanded legal tools targeting dissent, often invoking terrorism or extremism statutes against individuals and organizations seen as uncooperative.
The latest developments emerged from Moscow, where state-aligned media outlets published detailed reports citing security service materials that alleged Telegram’s lack of cooperation had contributed to deaths linked to attacks coordinated through the platform. Despite the seriousness of the claims, Russian law enforcement agencies have not publicly confirmed the investigation.
Durov, who holds both Russian and French citizenship and resides outside Russia, said authorities were fabricating new justifications to limit Telegram’s availability in the country. He warned that such actions threatened fundamental rights, including privacy and freedom of expression.
Russian authorities have repeatedly pressured Telegram to comply with national security demands, including data access requests. The platform’s refusal has triggered periodic attempts to block or restrict access, though enforcement has often been inconsistent due to Telegram’s technical resilience and widespread popularity.
Telegram has evolved beyond a messaging app into a major digital information hub within Russia. Government institutions, public officials, and media organizations rely on the platform to communicate directly with millions of users.
Tensions between Telegram and Russian authorities intensified after Telegram declined to grant security agencies unrestricted access to encrypted user communications. The government previously attempted a nationwide ban, but enforcement proved ineffective, allowing Telegram to continue operating through technical workarounds.
Recent state media reports, citing security service findings, accused Telegram’s leadership of indirectly enabling extremist coordination by refusing to comply with surveillance requests. These claims now appear to have triggered the reported criminal case against Durov.
The confrontation reflects Russia’s evolving digital control strategy, which increasingly combines legal action, technical restrictions, and state-sponsored alternatives. The promotion of domestic platforms such as Max is part of a broader effort to reduce reliance on foreign technology companies.
Despite these pressures, Telegram remains deeply embedded in Russian public life. Its channels serve as key sources of information for government agencies, journalists, and citizens alike.
The Kremlin has continued to maintain an active presence on Telegram, underscoring the platform’s strategic importance even amid official hostility. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov recently confirmed that government institutions would continue using their official Telegram accounts.
No formal announcement from Russian law enforcement has confirmed the criminal investigation publicly, leaving uncertainty over whether charges will proceed or remain a pressure tactic.
The reported investigation into Durov highlights the deepening conflict between Russia’s digital sovereignty agenda and global technology platforms committed to encryption and privacy. The outcome could reshape how messaging services operate in Russia and signal broader implications for digital freedoms, surveillance policies, and the future of independent communication platforms in the country.
