Authorities in Dagestan and Chechnya have blocked access to Telegram, citing security threats associated with the platform’s use, according to Yuri Gamzatov, Dagestan’s digital development minister. According to TASS state news agency, the decision was made at the federal level in response to concerns that the messaging app could be exploited by antagonistic elements. he stated.
The two southern Russian regions, which are predominantly Muslim, have experienced an increase in militant Islamist activity, which has prompted intelligence agencies to intensify digital monitoring.
“It (Telegram) is often used by enemies, an example of which is the riots at the Makhachkala airport,” said Gamzatov, referencing an October 2023 anti-Israel riot in Dagestan. A violent demonstration was organised at the airport by hundreds of demonstrators who were searching for passengers on the flight departing from Israel. The authorities issued a variety of offences to those who were involved in the incident, which did not result in any passenger injuries.
The antisemitic disturbance was incited by antisemitic content and violence-inspiring directives that were disseminated through Telegram channels. Telegram expressed its disapproval of this assault on its users by committing to the eradication of all channels that disseminate such content.
Gamzatov, the platform administrator, suggested that Telegram may ultimately appear again, but he also encouraged users to transition to other messaging services while restrictions are still in effect.
Pavel Durov, a Russian-born business owner, founded Telegram in Dubai. The platform has a global user population that exceeds one billion. The messaging application remains in widespread use in Russia, Ukraine, and other countries from the former Soviet bloc.
Since their unsuccessful prohibition in 2018, the Russian administration has made numerous attempts to regulate Telegram by obtaining user information. Durov is the subject of an official investigation by the French authorities for the organisation of criminal activities via Telegram.
The messaging giant has yet to issue a response regarding the latest bans in Russia.