Russian regulator tightens limits on Telegram as state promotes domestic messenger
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Summary
Roskomnadzor said it would continue restrictions against Telegram amid user complaints of outages; the program reported seven protocols for refusal to remove content and noted state promotion of a Russian-built messenger called "Макс," while commentators warned of risks to a virtual public sphere.
Roskomnadzor announced it will step up restrictions on the Telegram messenger, and users across Russia reported two days of disruptions to message and image delivery, the live edition of the television program said.
The program reported that Roskomnadzor has opened seven protocols against Telegram for refusing to delete content it deems prohibited and that the regulator contends the service "does not comply with Russian legal requirements." Host commentary said the measures are being presented by authorities as part of information-security efforts.
Why it matters: Telegram functions as a public forum for political discussion and local news for many Russians; further technical restrictions or a broad ban could curtail channels of information and civic debate, commentators on the program warned.
On-air contributors gave competing frames. An identified on-air voice argued that the measures are part of broader information-security work: "Защита информации это одна из основных частей борьбы между нами и странами НАТО," the commentator said, acknowledging inconvenience for users but framing restrictions as necessary.
Unidentified experts and analysts interviewed on the program warned about social and technical consequences. One extended commentator said, "Telegram работает как публичный свет... Единственное место, блин, такое уже осталось," arguing that Telegram is difficult to shut down entirely because of VPNs and internal proxy tools (MTProto) that allow users to circumvent blocks.
The broadcast also noted official efforts to boost a domestic messenger, "Макс", and cited program reporting that the app is being actively promoted by authorities. The program referenced an IT specialist (named in reporting) who described the measures as an attempt to "limit the spread of free information." The presenters did not assert that Telegram will be fully blocked; they emphasized technical limitations to an absolute shutdown while reporting that the regulator intends to continue restrictions.
Next steps: The program said Roskomnadzor will continue to introduce measures; it did not report a formal new law or court order on air, noting instead administrative protocols and ongoing enforcement actions.
