Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov has publicly vowed to defend the messaging platform’s independence and refusal to hand over user data, even as Russian authorities intensify legal and technical pressure in early 2026. In a rare January 17 Telegram post, Durov stated: “We will never compromise on user privacy or turn Telegram into a tool of surveillance. Russia can block, throttle, or threaten, but we will keep fighting for free speech and secure communication.”
The renewed standoff follows Russia’s Roskomnadzor agency issuing fresh demands for Telegram to provide encryption keys and user metadata related to “extremist” channels, alongside threats of deeper throttling, IP blocking, and potential criminal charges against Telegram’s Russian-based staff. Since Telegram’s 2018 nationwide ban partially lifted in 2020 but with ongoing restrictions, Moscow has escalated efforts using deep packet inspection, DNS poisoning, and partnerships with mobile operators to limit access.
Durov reiterated Telegram’s long-standing policy: no backdoors, no bulk data handover, and end-to-end encryption for secret chats. He also highlighted the platform’s role as a critical communication tool in conflict zones and for dissidents, framing the fight as part of a global battle over internet freedom.
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