Telegram to bypass Russian restrictions as crackdown intensifies

Telegram is preparing to adapt its technology to evade restrictions in Russia, making its traffic harder for authorities to detect and block, according to founder Pavel Durov.

Durov said millions of users in Russia continue to access the platform using virtual private networks, despite government efforts to slow down the service. He claimed that around 65 million Russians still use Telegram daily, with more than 50 million actively sending messages.

He criticized Moscow’s attempts to curb VPN usage, arguing that similar restrictions in Iran had failed and instead led to widespread adoption of VPNs. Durov described this trend as part of a growing “digital resistance” against government controls.

Russia’s communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, began slowing down Telegram in February, citing the platform’s failure to remove large amounts of prohibited content, including material related to crime and illegal activities.

Authorities have also reportedly launched investigations into Durov, accusing him of enabling harmful activities. He has denied the claims, saying they are being used as a pretext to further restrict the platform.

The crackdown extends beyond Telegram. The government has also moved against WhatsApp, owned by Meta, over alleged non-compliance with local laws.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has encouraged citizens to switch to “Max,” a state-backed messaging app that has been pre-installed on new devices since 2025.

Despite mounting pressure, Telegram remains widely used in Russia, including for communication during military operations, even as authorities push for tighter control over digital platforms and data regulations.