Russia may move to fully block Telegram nationwide starting April 1, according to reports from the Telegram channel Baza, citing unnamed sources.
Key Takeaways:
- Russia could fully block Telegram across mobile and Wi-Fi networks starting April 1, according to local reports.
- Roskomnadzor has not confirmed the move but has escalated technical restrictions in recent weeks.
- The reported measure would mirror previous bans on Instagram and Facebook.
- Authorities have warned of further action if Telegram does not localize servers and comply with domestic laws.
The country’s communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, has neither confirmed nor denied the claim, saying it has “nothing to add” beyond previously published statements.
Escalating Pressure on the Platform
The reported move follows a recent tightening of technical restrictions. On February 10, Roskomnadzor intensified efforts to slow Telegram’s operations. According to Kommersant, the time required for Telegram’s domain to process requests has doubled, suggesting deliberate throttling by authorities.
Regulators have previously indicated that further restrictions could be imposed if Telegram does not localize servers within Russia and comply fully with domestic legislation. The company has long resisted certain data localization and information disclosure requirements.
A Familiar Pattern of Digital Controls
Russia has in recent years expanded its regulatory oversight of foreign and independent digital platforms, citing national security and legal compliance concerns. Previous bans on major Western social networks significantly reshaped the country’s online ecosystem, pushing users toward domestic platforms and virtual private networks.
A complete Telegram shutdown would represent one of the most consequential moves yet, given the platform’s widespread use across media, business and civil society channels. For now, however, the reported April 1 deadline remains unconfirmed by official sources, leaving uncertainty over whether the restrictions will escalate to a full nationwide block.
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Source: https://coindoo.com/russia-reportedly-preparing-full-telegram-block-from-april-1/