Russia blocks Telegram in two regions over security concerns

• Published On: 09 March 2025 at 21:55

Authorities in two Russian regions have blocked the popular messaging app Telegram, citing concerns that hostile entities may use it, state news agency TASS reported on Saturday.

The restrictions were implemented in Dagestan and Chechnya, two predominantly Muslim regions in southern Russia where security agencies have reported an increase in militant Islamist activity.

Dagestan's Minister of Digital Development, Yuri Gamzatov, stated that the decision was made at the federal level. "Telegram is often used by enemies, as seen during the riots at Makhachkala airport," he told me.

Gamzatov was referring to an anti-Israel riot in October 2023, when hundreds of protesters stormed Makhachkala airport in Dagestan, attempting to attack passengers arriving from Israel. Although no passengers were injured, several people were eventually prosecuted. Authorities said the unrest was sparked by messages circulating in local Telegram channels that called for antisemitic violence. Telegram condemned the attack and then blocked the channels.

The company, which is headquartered in Dubai and was founded by Russian-born entrepreneur Pavel Durov, has not yet responded to the latest roadblock. Telegram, with nearly a billion users, is still widely used in Russia, Ukraine, and other former Soviet states.

Moscow previously attempted to ban Telegram in 2018, but failed. The Russian government has also demanded access to user data, which Telegram has denied. Meanwhile, Durov is facing formal charges in France as part of an investigation into the platform's organised crime activities.

Gamzatov suggested that Telegram could be unblocked in the future, but advised users to use other messaging apps in the meantime.