The rate of blocking the Telegram app in some regions of Russia has reached 90%, reports Kommersant. Experts believe that the authorities are trying to slow down the app until they make it impossible to use.
Starting with the 14th, the operating speed of Telegram has significantly decreased in Russia. Although users previously encountered difficulties in loading photos and videos, now even text messages are sent and received with delay.
The operation of the app depends on the configurations of traffic filtering equipment, experts believe. Technically, it is unlikely that the authorities will be able to completely shut down Telegram, but the scenario where the platform will no longer be able to be used efficiently is not excluded.
It is anticipated that Telegram could be shut down by April 1, according to several sources in the Russian press. However, the app could remain operational in the Ukrainian regions annexed by Russia. Officially, the Kremlin denies these rumors.
On the other hand, proposals have already arrived in the State Duma that internet access should be made through payphones, in the context of increasingly frequent and larger limitations of mobile internet.