The Kremlin directly targets Telegram, Pavel Durov faces a criminal investigation controversy

On February 24, it was reported that Russia has launched an investigation into Telegram founder Pavel Durov, accusing him of “assisting terrorist activities,” indicating a serious deterioration in his relationship with the Kremlin. According to official media outlets Rossiya Segodnya and Komsomolskaya Pravda, Telegram is being accused of serving as a tool for Western and Ukrainian intelligence agencies and being used to plan multiple attacks against Russia. The reports cite materials from the Federal Security Service (FSB), stating that Durov’s actions are under criminal investigation.

Since leaving Russia in 2014, Durov has built Telegram into a platform centered on privacy and independent of government control. He has acquired French and UAE citizenship and successfully resisted Moscow’s attempts to ban the app in 2018. Nevertheless, Russia continues to pressure Telegram, including restricting traffic, blocking certain features, and encouraging users to switch to the state-controlled messaging app Max.

It is reported that Telegram has over 105 million monthly active users in Russia. Even during the Ukraine war, when most Western social media platforms were blocked, government agencies and the military still relied on Telegram to release official information and coordinate on the front lines. President Putin’s spokesperson also communicates with the media through the platform.

The latest Russian action was triggered by Telegram’s refusal to store user data domestically and to censor content. Last week, Boltnikov stated that he had previously negotiated with Durov but “achieved no results,” and accused him of tolerating numerous illegal activities. Durov responded that this move aims to force citizens to use a platform controlled by the state, making surveillance easier.

Observers note that Russia’s measures against Telegram could lead to significant changes in the country’s information ecosystem. As a long-standing independent communication channel, Telegram’s role in public life, military coordination, and information dissemination means that the investigation into its founder could have far-reaching impacts on the entire digital communication environment. The current situation shows that the rift between Durov and the Kremlin is deepening, and Telegram’s operations in Russia face new uncertainties.