Table of Contents
Russia Blocks Telegram in Two Regions Over Security Concerns
Telegram Banned in Dagestan and Chechnya
Authorities in two Russian regions, Dagestan and Chechnya, have blocked access to the Telegram messaging app. The decision was made due to concerns that the platform could be used by adversaries, according to regional officials.
Security Concerns Behind the Ban
Yuri Gamzatov, Dagestan’s digital development minister, stated that Telegram has been used by hostile actors. He referenced the riots at Makhachkala airport in October 2023, when protesters stormed the airport in response to a flight arriving from Israel. Calls for violence had circulated on local Telegram channels before the incident.
Past Attempts to Control Telegram
Russian authorities have previously attempted to restrict Telegram, including a failed ban in 2018. The government has also sought access to user data from the platform. Despite these efforts, Telegram remains widely used in Russia and other former Soviet states.
Future of the Ban
Gamzatov mentioned that Telegram could be unblocked in the future but encouraged users to switch to alternative messaging platforms for now. Telegram has not yet responded to the ban.
“Russia Blocks Telegram in Two Regions Over Security Concerns”