<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/11/russian-crackdown-telegram-app-criticism-soldiers-pro-war-bloggers>
"A Russian crackdown on the Telegram social media app risks damaging its own
army, pro-war bloggers have warned, as the platform’s founder refused to bend
to pressure from Moscow.
Russia’s communications watchdog said on Wednesday that the app – used by more
than 60 million Russians each day – would begin slowing nationwide, accusing it
of failing to address earlier regulatory violations.
The decision has triggered rare public criticism across Russian society, from
frontline troops and hawkish military bloggers to lifestyle influencers and
exiled opposition figures.
The move fits into the Kremlin’s aim to achieve a “sovereign internet” – an
online space cut off from western technology and foreign influence, and more
vulnerable to state control.
At the same time, officials have been promoting a state-backed “super-app”
called Max, modelled on China’s WeChat, as Moscow tightens its grip over
foreign messaging platforms.
It remains unclear whether Moscow will move to block Telegram outright or
initially slow the service in an attempt to pressure the company to work more
closely with authorities.
Users reported sluggish traffic and delayed video and image downloads
throughout Tuesday, though the app continued to work for most functions."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
