The company’s response comes as Russia’s state communications regulator introduces restrictions on Telegram, citing the platform’s alleged failure to remove extremist content. Telegram remains a widely used service in the country, both for personal communications and, according to reports, by Russian troops for operational purposes.
Digital Development Minister Maksud Shadayev claimed on Wednesday that foreign intelligence agencies could view Telegram messages sent by Russian soldiers engaged in the conflict in Ukraine. Soldiers, war correspondents, and politicians have previously noted that Telegram is frequently used not only to communicate with families but also in some operational contexts.
In a statement to Reuters, Telegram called the government’s allegations “a deliberate fabrication intended to justify outlawing Telegram and forcing citizens onto a state-controlled messaging platform engineered for mass surveillance and censorship.”
Russia has also restricted or blocked other foreign messaging platforms, including Meta’s WhatsApp and Apple’s FaceTime, encouraging users to switch to a new state-backed app called MAX. Authorities insist the platform is secure, rejecting claims it is designed for surveillance.
The dispute highlights the growing tensions between tech companies and state authorities in Russia over messaging services and data privacy.