Russia Reportedly Investigates Telegram CEO Over Facilitating Terror

Russian state media, citing the FSB, reported that criminal investigations have been launched against Telegram co-founder and CEO Pavel Durov concerning the alleged facilitation of terrorist activities. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the reports were based on FSB materials. This action follows increased pressure from Russia's media regulator, Roskomnadzor, which has demanded Telegram remove thousands of channels flagged for illegal content, including false information and extremism promotion. Former advisor German Klimenko warned that failure to comply could lead to the platform being labeled extremist, potentially criminalizing payments for Telegram Premium. Pavel Durov has previously accused Russia of attacking Telegram to promote a state-backed messenger, asserting that Telegram stands for freedom of speech and privacy despite the pressure, similar to past failed attempts by countries like Iran to restrict its use.

(Source：Cointelegraph)