A court in Moscow has imposed a fine of 7 million rubles (approximately 78,000 euros) on Telegram, a popular messaging service known for its privacy features. This ruling comes as the court claims that Telegram has not complied with previous warnings to delete content that addresses alcohol and issues related to sexual minorities, highlighting the government's increasing dissatisfaction with the platform. The Russian administration has previously attempted to limit Telegram's reach within the country due to its perceived threats to governmental authority.

Dmitri Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, commented on the matter, alleging that Telegram has been storing a large amount of content that poses risks to Russia. He further claimed that the messaging service has violated numerous regulations and has been uncooperative with Russian authorities. This sentiment demonstrates the Kremlin's ongoing concerns regarding the influence and autonomy of communication platforms like Telegram in the digital space in Russia.

Additionally, the Russian government has initiated a criminal investigation into Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, for purportedly promoting terrorist activities. This action signifies an escalation in efforts by authorities to justify restrictions on Telegram, evidencing the lengths to which Russian officials may go to control digital dissent and information dissemination. Durov's platform is viewed as a significant outlet for free speech and expression among users, challenging governmental narratives.