In a recent development, Pavel Durov, the CEO of messaging app Telegram, has criticized Russia’s criminal investigation against him, calling it a display of a state fearful of its citizens. Durov, a Russian billionaire residing in the United Arab Emirates, made this statement while acknowledging reports from Russian state media about the Federal Security Service investigating him for allegedly supporting terrorism.
Expressing concerns over the situation, Durov accused authorities of fabricating reasons to restrict Russians’ access to Telegram, thereby infringing on privacy and free speech rights. Access Now, a digital rights non-profit organization that has previously voiced concerns about Telegram’s security and privacy, supported Durov’s stance.
Natalia Krapiva, senior technical legal counsel at Access Now, agreed with Durov’s assessment, emphasizing Russia’s apparent suppression of freedom of expression and access to information for its citizens. This move against Durov is part of Russia’s broader crackdown on Telegram, a popular messaging platform widely used in the country, including by Russian military personnel in Ukraine.
The Russian government, through its communications watchdog Roskomnadzor, recently restricted access to Telegram for non-compliance with Russian regulations. While details of the probe into Durov have not been officially confirmed, Rossiyskaya Gazeta reported that he is being investigated for allegedly aiding terrorist activities through Telegram.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov mentioned that the Federal Security Service had identified numerous violations by Telegram, citing content that could pose a threat to the country’s security. The government’s actions against Telegram are part of a larger pattern targeting various communication platforms, with Russia promoting its state-owned messaging app MAX as an alternative.
Despite efforts to promote MAX, concerns persist about potential surveillance risks associated with the platform, particularly for journalists and activists. Krapiva advised caution in using MAX due to its data-sharing practices with authorities, recommending heightened security measures for high-risk users.
While Russia aims to promote domestic platforms over foreign-owned services, such as Telegram, Krapiva noted that many Russians still prefer using VPNs to bypass restrictions and access preferred applications. However, she highlighted that Russia is also cracking down on VPN services, limiting access to information and steering users toward a state-controlled online environment.
The ongoing situation reflects a broader attempt by the Russian government to exert greater control over online activities, posing challenges to internet freedom and privacy rights within the country.
