Telegram's founder commented on the new wave of pressure on the messenger.
Pavel Durov publicly commented on the restrictions on Telegram in Russia. In his post, he linked the Russian authorities' actions to an attempt to push users to switch to a "state-controlled app," which, in his opinion, could be used for surveillance and political censorship.
Durov also cited the example of Iran. He said they tried a similar approach eight years ago: they banned Telegram under trumped-up pretexts, hoping to convert users to the state-run alternative. He claims the strategy failed to produce the desired effect, and many Iranians still use Telegram to circumvent censorship restrictions, preferring it to services they distrust due to the risk of surveillance.
The Telegram founder's statement comes amid a statement from Roskomnadzor, which on February 10 announced continued restrictions on Telegram. Roskomnadzor explained that the state requires internet services, including Telegram, to "respect Russia, its citizens, and comply with the laws of the Russian Federation." Among the conditions, they listed hosting servers within Russia, ensuring the protection of personal data, protecting citizens from fraud, and creating conditions to prevent extremism and terrorism. Roskomnadzor asserted that the violations "remain unresolved," and therefore, "by decision of authorized bodies," the restrictions will be continued to ensure compliance with the law and "ensure the protection of citizens."
In conclusion, he emphasized that, in his opinion, restrictions on citizens' freedoms "are not the right decision," and stated that "Telegram stands for freedom of speech and privacy, despite any pressure."
Pavel Durov publicly commented on the restrictions on Telegram in Russia. In his post, he linked the Russian authorities' actions to an attempt to push users to switch to a "state-controlled app," which, in his opinion, could be used for surveillance and political censorship.
Durov also cited the example of Iran. He said they tried a similar approach eight years ago: they banned Telegram under trumped-up pretexts, hoping to convert users to the state-run alternative. He claims the strategy failed to produce the desired effect, and many Iranians still use Telegram to circumvent censorship restrictions, preferring it to services they distrust due to the risk of surveillance.
The Telegram founder's statement comes amid a statement from Roskomnadzor, which on February 10 announced continued restrictions on Telegram. Roskomnadzor explained that the state requires internet services, including Telegram, to "respect Russia, its citizens, and comply with the laws of the Russian Federation." Among the conditions, they listed hosting servers within Russia, ensuring the protection of personal data, protecting citizens from fraud, and creating conditions to prevent extremism and terrorism. Roskomnadzor asserted that the violations "remain unresolved," and therefore, "by decision of authorized bodies," the restrictions will be continued to ensure compliance with the law and "ensure the protection of citizens."
In conclusion, he emphasized that, in his opinion, restrictions on citizens' freedoms "are not the right decision," and stated that "Telegram stands for freedom of speech and privacy, despite any pressure."
