The administration of Russian President Vladimir Putin, through its communication authority Roskomnadzor, has initiated restrictions on the communication traffic of the messaging application Telegram. This app has gained significant popularity in Russia and Eastern Europe, being used by various government officials for information dissemination. Reports indicate that users in Finland and other regions have begun experiencing issues with slow performance, particularly with the loading of images and videos since Monday.

According to the Russian newspaper Kommersant, complaints have flooded in from tens of thousands of users about the slowness of the app, signaling a rising frustration among Telegram users. The authorities justify the restrictions by claiming that Telegram does not comply with Russian laws, particularly in protecting personal data, and allows for its use in criminal and terrorist activities. This rationale points to a broader trend of tightening control over internet services within Russia, aiming for greater regulatory oversight over digital communications.

Critics of the Russian government argue that these actions are part of a more concerted effort to tighten the grip of the Kremlin over the internet, seeking to limit dissent and control information more effectively. Past restrictions have included similar measures against other platforms like WhatsApp, owned by American company Meta, highlighting an ongoing strategy by the authorities to regulate and monitor online communications within their jurisdiction, reinforcing a cloud of censorship in the digital sphere.