Russian authorities restrict access to messaging app Telegram, possibly to force users to switch to state-run app MAX



On February 10, 2026, local time, Russian authorities began restricting communications and access to the widely used messaging app Telegram. This move is believed to be an attempt to encourage users to switch to the Russian state-run messaging app MAX.

Telegram's Durov reaffirms commitment to privacy amid new Russian curbs | Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/society-equity/telegrams-durov-reaffirms-commitment-privacy-amid-new-russian-curbs-2026-02-10/

Telegram is reportedly being slowed down and restricted in Russia | The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/tech/876351/telegram-russia-restrictions

On February 10, Russia's Federal Service for Communications, Information Technologies, and Mass Media (Roskomnadzor) imposed restrictions on Telegram, causing users to report issues such as failure to send messages and load media, a lack of notifications, and app outages in several regions.



In a statement to Russian media, Roskomnadzor accused Telegram of not taking adequate measures to prevent fraud and criminal activity, and explained that it would continue to introduce progressive restrictions.

Telegram is facing multiple administrative charges for violating Russian law, with seven cases scheduled for trial in February and March. Journalist Stanimir Dobrev has suggested that Telegram could be banned entirely as soon as the second week of February.



'Russia is restricting access to Telegram in an effort to migrate citizens to a state-controlled app built for surveillance and political censorship. This authoritarian move will not change our course. Telegram will stand for freedom and privacy, no matter the pressure,' Telegram CEO Pavel Durov said in a post on X.



The 'state-controlled app' Durov referred to was the state-run messaging app MAX, which the Russian government mandated to ship with pre-installed on all smartphones and tablets in August 2025.

Russia announces that it will require the pre-installation of the state-run messenger app 'MAX,' which is suspected of being a spy app, on smartphones and tablets - GIGAZINE



Russia has frequently restricted communication with Telegram in the past, and Wikipedia even has an article titled ' Blocking of Telegram in Russia .'

Russia partially restricts WhatsApp and Telegram calls, accusing them of being used for blackmail and terrorist activities - GIGAZINE



The Russian government has also restricted access to Telegram, Facebook-owned messaging app WhatsApp, as well as Facebook and Instagram. Roskomnadzor has reportedly removed these platforms from its online directory service, making them inaccessible to Russian users.

Russia blocks Meta's WhatsApp messaging service
https://www.ft.com/content/468ebeec-3d38-4f8c-8513-97f533d8f43b

WhatsApp Says Russia Has Tried to Block Its Messaging Service - Bloomberg
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-12/whatsapp-says-russia-has-tried-to-block-its-messaging-service



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