Pavel Durov, the CEO of the popular messaging app Telegram, has criticized Russia’s criminal investigation against him, calling it a “sad display of a government fearful of its citizens.” Durov, a Russian billionaire residing in the United Arab Emirates, made these remarks while confirming reports from Russian state media that the country’s Federal Security Service is looking into him for allegedly “supporting terrorism.”
In response to the investigation, Durov stated that the authorities in Russia are inventing new reasons each day to limit Russians’ access to Telegram in an attempt to suppress privacy rights and freedom of speech. Access Now, a digital rights non-profit based in Berlin, which has previously criticized Telegram’s security and privacy measures, supported Durov’s stance.
Natalia Krapiva, senior technical legal counsel at Access Now, expressed agreement with Durov’s assessment, emphasizing that Russia is actively attempting to stifle freedom of expression and access to information for its citizens. This crackdown on Telegram is part of a broader effort by Russia to control online communication, including recent restrictions on other messaging platforms like Signal, Viber, and WhatsApp, along with blocking access to Facebook and Instagram.
The Russian government has not officially confirmed the details of the investigation into Durov, but state media reports suggest that he is being probed for alleged involvement in terrorist activities through Telegram, which is seen as a security threat. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov mentioned that the Federal Security Service has identified numerous violations by Telegram, raising concerns about potential threats to the country’s security.
As part of its wider crackdown on foreign-owned platforms, Russia has promoted its state-owned messaging app, MAX, as an alternative to privately owned services. However, Krapiva cautioned that MAX could be exploited for surveillance purposes by the Russian government, especially for monitoring journalists and activists. She advised against using MAX and recommended exercising caution if its use is necessary, especially for high-risk users.
Despite government efforts to limit access to Telegram through disruptions, its usage remains prevalent in Russia, with many individuals resorting to virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass restrictions. Krapiva highlighted the increasing popularity of VPNs in Russia, noting that state alternatives like MAX lack the quality and user experience of private foreign-owned platforms. Nevertheless, she pointed out that Russia is also targeting VPN services, blocking content related to them to prevent users from accessing such tools.
The overarching objective of these measures, according to Krapiva, is to confine people within a restricted online environment dominated by Russian-controlled platforms, enabling the government to exercise complete control over information flow. This shift towards a closed-off digital landscape has raised concerns about the erosion of online freedoms and the potential for heightened surveillance by the authorities.