The restriction of the Telegram app in Russia has generated criticism and concerns about potential harm to its own armed forces, warned pro-war military bloggers, as well as soldiers, in the context of the platform founder’s refusal to yield to pressures exerted by Moscow, reports The Guardian.
The Russian communications oversight institution announced on Wednesday a potential slowdown of the app’s operation nationwide, citing non-compliance with previous regulations. Telegram is used daily by over 60 million Russian citizens.
The decision has generated public criticism from various segments of Russian society, including frontline troops, military bloggers, influencers, and exiled opposition figures.
This action is part of the Kremlin’s strategy to implement a “sovereign internet”, an online space isolated from Western technology and external influence, facilitating state control.
At the same time, the authorities are promoting a state “super-app”, called Max, inspired by the Chinese model WeChat, in parallel with efforts to consolidate control over foreign messaging platforms.
At the moment, it is unclear whether Moscow will resort to a complete blocking of Telegram or will implement an initial slowdown of the service, in an attempt to force closer collaboration with the authorities.
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