Russia Telegram Founder
The app Telegram, a popular messenger app in Russia restricted by authorities, is shown on a smartphone in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, July 29, 2026.
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Russian authorities have charged Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of the popular messaging app Telegram, with aiding terrorism and placed him on an international wanted list. The Federal Security Service, or FSB, accused Telegram of failing to remove content allegedly used by Ukrainian intelligence and extremist groups. This comes as Russia intensifies efforts to control the internet, restricting Telegram and other platforms. Durov, a billionaire who lives in Dubai, could face life in prison if convicted. Since Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russian authorities have been cracking down on internet freedom, banning platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Australia’s online safety watchdog has taken legal action against Telegram for what the watchdog says is a failure to remove extremist content. The platform allegedly failed to take down videos of mass shootings and Islamic State beheadings. The United Arab Emirates-based app could face a fine of up to 54.6 million Australian dollars, or $38 million, if convicted. Telegram denies the claims and plans to contest them in court. The case tests Australia's 2021 law requiring tech platforms to keep illegal material off their networks. The watchdog says Telegram remained noncompliant despite being alerted. Telegram claims it has blocked over 150,000 “terrorist-related communities” this year.
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