Russia announces possible complete blocking of Telegram in 2026
In Russia. Telegram may be completely blocked in September 2026. This was stated by the Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Economic Policy Mikhail Delyagin.
According to him, the blocking of the messenger may occur by analogy with YouTube and be timed to coincide with the state duma elections, scheduled for autumn 2026.
What Delyagin said.
The Russian deputy suggested that the authorities may resort to a complete ban on Telegram as a tool to control the information space ahead of the election campaign.
At the same time, Delyagin assured that if the messenger is blocked «freedom of speech and democracy» in russia allegedly will not be affected, as citizens will be left with alternative platforms.
Context.
Since the start of the full-scale war against Ukraine, the Russian authorities have consistently tightened their control over the Internet and media space. Previously, the Russian Federation effectively blocked or restricted access to YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and independent media.
Telegram remains one of the few platforms where Russians can still receive information that is not fully controlled by the state. That is why the messenger regularly comes under pressure from Russian officials and law enforcement agencies.
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