Russia plans to fully block the Telegram messaging service, starting April 1, as reported by Russian media outlet Baza, though officials have not confirmed this action.
According to the Telegram channel Baza, Russia's censorship authority Roskomnadzor is set to implement a total block on the Telegram messaging app throughout the country, beginning April 1. This decision follows similar actions taken against other social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, which have faced bans and are classified as extremist entities in Russia. The full functionality of Telegram may cease across both mobile internet and Wi-Fi networks, highlighting the government's increasing control over digital communication channels in the country.
Roskomnadzor has escalated its measures against Telegram, with evidence from a report by Kommersant indicating that the time required for processing requests related to Telegram's domain has significantly increased. This tightening of regulations appears to be a strategy to undermine Telegram's operation in Russia without an outright ban, suggesting an ongoing effort to limit free communication and access to information amidst a broader crackdown on dissent and external influences.
The potential blockade of Telegram comes at a time of heightened scrutiny on digital messaging platforms, reflecting Russia's ongoing battle with information control, especially in light of events such as the Ukraine conflict and internal governance. If enforced, this decision would further isolate Russian citizens from global communication networks, raising concerns among advocacy groups about the implications for freedom of speech and access to diverse viewpoints within the country.
