"A Russian crackdown on the Telegram social media app risks damaging its own army and soldiers, 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."
"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 closer with the authorities. Users reported sluggish traffic and delayed video and image downloads throughout Tuesday, though the app continued to work for most functions."
Russia's communications watchdog ordered nationwide slowing of Telegram, which more than 60 million Russians use daily, citing unresolved regulatory violations. The action provoked rare public criticism across society, including frontline troops, pro-war bloggers, influencers and exiled opposition figures. Officials promoted a state-backed super-app, Max, modelled on China's WeChat, as Moscow pursues a sovereign internet less reliant on western technology and more open to state control. The Kremlin said it was contacting Telegram representatives, while founder Pavel Durov rebuked the measures, defending freedom of speech and privacy. Users reported sluggish traffic and delayed media downloads, though core functions largely continued.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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