"Russia's Federal Anti-Monopoly Service (FAS) said Thursday that both advertisers and distributors could face legal penalties for placing ads on the messaging platform, marking the first official statement suggesting such a ban. That announcement followed reports that the agency was pursuing criminal charges against a Telegram user over alleged violations of Russia's advertising laws."
"Unlike organizations formally designated as "undesirable" or "extremist," no such label has been applied to [Telegram], which has around 90 million users in Russia and is widely used by government officials and state agencies - including Roskomnadzor and FAS."
"Unconfirmed reports last week suggested Russia could move to block Telegram entirely as early as April. The speculation followed accusations from several senior Russian officials and the FSB security service that the platform poses a security threat and serves as a tool for foreign intelligence in a "hybrid war" against Russia."
Russia's Federal Anti-Monopoly Service announced that both advertisers and distributors face legal penalties for placing ads on Telegram, marking the first official statement suggesting such restrictions. State media regulator Roskomnadzor backed this position without explanation. Lawmakers, including State Duma member Alexander Yushchenko, demanded clarification, noting Telegram has not been formally banned despite restrictions introduced since August. The platform operates with approximately 90 million Russian users, including government officials and state agencies. Speculation emerged about potential complete blocking by April, following accusations from senior officials and the FSB that Telegram poses security threats. Telegram denies facilitating criminal activity and attributes restrictions to pressure toward state-backed alternatives.
#telegram-regulation #russian-government-restrictions #advertising-ban #platform-regulation #cybersecurity-policy
Read at The Moscow Times
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