Russia Escalates Digital Crackdown with New Telegram Restrictions
London, 12 February 2026 – The Russian state communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, has significantly escalated its campaign against independent digital platforms this week by imposing a new wave of restrictions on Telegram. While the service has faced various legal challenges in Russia since 2018, the latest measures represent a “phased” approach to throttling the app’s functionality, citing alleged failures to protect user data and remove prohibited content. This move coincides with a broader offensive against Western messaging services, including a reported attempt to fully block Meta-owned WhatsApp.
Throttling and Service Disruptions
On Tuesday, 10 February 2026, Russian authorities began “throttling” Telegram, a technical process that slows down connection speeds to make the app nearly unusable for media sharing and voice calls. Roskomnadzor stated these measures are necessary for the “protection of Russian citizens,” accusing the platform of refusing to block content deemed illegal under Russian law. The regulator has also threatened Telegram with fines totalling £64 million (approximately 828,000 USD) for non-compliance.
The crackdown has sparked rare public dissent from typically pro-government quarters. Russian military bloggers and soldiers, who rely heavily on Telegram for battlefield communications and news distribution, have expressed outrage. Critics argue that by choking the platform, the Kremlin is dismantling a vital communication link between the state, the military, and the public in favour of “Max,” a state-sponsored alternative designed for easier government surveillance.
Key Facts: The 2026 Messaging Crackdown
The following table outlines the current status of major messaging platforms in Russia as of February 2026.
| Platform | Current Status | Official Reason Provided |
|---|---|---|
| Telegram | Throttled / Restricted access | Failure to remove prohibited content and combat fraud. |
| Fully Blocked (as of 12 February) | Lack of security and refusal to comply with local data laws. | |
| Max | Operational | State-sponsored alternative promoted by the Kremlin. |
| Roskomnadzor | Enforcing Agency | Executing “phased restrictions” on digital services. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Telegram completely banned in Russia?
As of 12 February 2026, Telegram is not under a total blackout but is being “throttled.” This means users are experiencing significant disruptions, particularly when sending videos, photos, or making voice calls, as the government limits the app’s bandwidth.
Why is the Russian military concerned about this move?
Telegram has become the primary tool for Russian “mil-bloggers” and frontline units to coordinate and share information. Soldiers have warned that restricting the app without a viable, secure alternative could jeopardise operational communications and leave a vacuum in the information space.
What is the government’s ultimate goal?
Analysts suggest the Kremlin is attempting to establish a “Digital Iron Curtain” by forcing the population away from encrypted platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp and towards state-controlled applications where data can be more easily monitored by security services.