Finance
Telegram messaging app faces new restrictions and fines in Russia, media report
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 10, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 10, 2026
Quick Summary
Telegram faces potential fines of 64 million roubles in Russia due to alleged legal violations, impacting its role as a major communication tool.
Telegram Messaging App Faces New Fines and Restrictions in Russia
Overview of Telegram's Legal Challenges
MOSCOW, Feb 10 (Reuters) - The Telegram messaging app, an important platform for public and private communications in Russia, is facing new restrictions and fines for hosting content that the authorities object to, state and independent media reported on Tuesday.
Details of the Fines
The RBC news outlet said the communications watchdog Roskomnadzor planned to limit access to Telegram from Tuesday, and measures to slow down access to it had already started. The watchdog did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Reuters reporters in Russia said the app was still working, but appeared slow to download videos.
Telegram did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Government's Actions Against Foreign Tech
State news agency RIA said Telegram was facing fines of up to 64 million roubles ($830,000) in eight upcoming court hearings in connection with alleged failures to remove information required by Russian law.
The app, founded by Russian-born entrepreneur Pavel Durov, is used by newsmakers of all kinds - including the Kremlin, courts, media, celebrities and the exiled opposition - to distribute information instantly to a large audience.
In recent months, however, authorities have tightened curbs on foreign-based tech platforms.
Russia began limiting some calls on Telegram and WhatsApp last August, accusing them of refusing to share information with law enforcement in fraud and terrorism cases. In December, it blocked Apple's video-calling app FaceTime.
Those restrictions remained in place.
The Rise of State-Backed Alternatives
The government last year launched a state-backed rival app called MAX, which critics say could be used for surveillance - allegations that state media have dismissed as false.
Russia previously tried and failed to block Telegram in 2018.
($1 = 77.3000 roubles)
(Reporting by Maxim Rodionov; writing by Mark Trevelyan; Editing by Andrew Heavens, Aidan Lewis)
Key Takeaways
- •Telegram may face fines of up to 64 million roubles in Russia.
- •The fines are related to alleged legal violations by Telegram.
- •Telegram is a key communication tool in Russia.
- •Both the Kremlin and opposition use Telegram extensively.
- •The hearings are based on Telegram's failure to remove certain information.
Frequently Asked Questions about Telegram messaging app faces new restrictions and fines in Russia, media report
1What is compliance?
Compliance refers to the process of ensuring that a company adheres to laws, regulations, and guidelines relevant to its business operations.
2What are financial penalties?
Financial penalties are monetary fines imposed on individuals or organizations for violating laws or regulations.
3What is telecommunications?
Telecommunications is the transmission of information over significant distances by electronic means, including phone calls, internet, and broadcasting.
4What is digital communication?
Digital communication involves the exchange of information through digital devices and platforms, including emails, messaging apps, and social media.