In this increasingly repressive environment, Telegram became a vital tool for Russians seeking a secure way to communicate and share news. In 2018, the Russian media watchdog Roskomnadzor attempted to block Telegram due to its refusal to hand over encryption keys, but ultimately failed to fully restrict access to the app.
Western Criticism and Legal Challenges
Governments in the West have also been critical of Telegram, particularly regarding the platform’s perceived lack of content moderation. Telegram has faced fines in both Germany and France due to concerns over how it manages harmful content on its platform.
In response to these criticisms, Telegram issued a statement on its platform asserting that it abides by European Union laws, including the Digital Services Act.
The company stated that its moderation efforts are “within industry standards and constantly improving.” Telegram also defended Durov, emphasizing that he “has nothing to hide and travels frequently in Europe.”
The company dismissed the notion that a platform or its owner could be held responsible for the misuse of the platform by its users. “Almost a billion users globally use Telegram as a means of communication and as a source of vital information. We’re awaiting a prompt resolution of this situation. Telegram is with you all,” the statement read.
