Two russian regions block Telegram over security concerns
Reuters
Authorities in Russia’s Dagestan and Chechnya regions have blocked access to the Telegram messaging app over concerns it could be used by hostile groups, according to regional officials quoted by the TASS state news agency.
Dagestan’s digital development minister, Yuri Gamzatov, stated that the decision was made at the federal level due to security risks. “It (Telegram) is often used by enemies, an example of which is the riots at the Makhachkala airport,” he said, referring to the October 2023 anti-Israel riot in Dagestan. During that incident, protesters stormed an airport after calls for antisemitic violence circulated on Telegram.
Telegram, founded by Russian-born Pavel Durov and based in Dubai, has nearly 1 billion users. The app has faced previous crackdowns from Moscow, which unsuccessfully attempted to ban it in 2018 and has demanded user data access.
Gamzatov suggested Telegram could be unblocked in the future but encouraged users to switch to other messaging platforms. Telegram has not yet responded to requests for comment.
10:49
WORLD NEWS
Biden voices doubts over Trump-era approach to Ukraine-Russia conflict
In his first interview since leaving office, Joe Biden expressed concern over proposed peace deals for Ukraine that involve territorial concessions, describing them as a dangerous form of appeasement while also addressing US-Europe relations and his own political decisions.
10:27
EU is set to fully end its dependency on Russian energy
The European Commission has presented a roadmap to ensure the EU fully ends its dependency on Russian energy, while ensuring stable energy supplies and prices across the EU.
10:09
RUSSIA
Moscow Victory Parade to host 29 foreign leaders
Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov announced that 29 foreign leaders are expected to attend the Victory Parade in Moscow on May 9.
08:43
Russia and Ukraine exchange deadly air strikes as capitals face drone attacks
Russia and Ukraine launched more overnight air attacks on each other's capitals, resulting in two deaths in Kyiv. The drone strikes on Kyiv sparked fires, while Moscow's air defences destroyed multiple drones.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment