Durov commented on the restrictions against Telegram in Russia

Telegram founder Pavel Durov first commented on the restrictions against his messenger in Russia.

"Russia restricts access to Telegram, trying to force its citizens to switch to a state-controlled application… Eight years ago, Iran tried to apply the same strategy — and failed. He banned Telegram under far-fetched pretexts, trying to force people to switch to a state alternative. Despite the ban, the majority of Iranians still use Telegram (bypassing censorship) and prefer it to applications that are subject to surveillance... Telegram stands for freedom of speech and privacy, despite any pressure," he wrote on his channel.

On February 10, Roskomnadzor confirmed the restriction of Telegram's work in the country.

"Telegram and a number of messengers still have not eliminated violations of the legislation of the Russian Federation to remove restrictions from them. Telegram does not comply with Russian legislation, personal data is not protected, there are no real anti—fraud measures," the department said.

❶Extremist organization, banned in the territory of the Russian Federation