US EditionRussia thwarts protests over the blocking of a popular messaging app, but frustration persists
Authorities used varied excuses to block protests against Telegram censorship affecting 76% of Russians, with activists filing lawsuits and some small rallies proceeding amid detentions and fines.
- This month, Russian authorities blocked protests over Telegram, including preventing a March 15 demonstration in Perm, where Viktor Gilin was detained and fined, authorities succeeded in most cases.
- The Kremlin framed Telegram as a security risk, citing battlefield concerns and urging users to switch to MAX, a government-backed messaging app critics say is a surveillance tool.
- Authorities used pretexts like inspections or snow-removal to shut down planned gatherings, with Roman Malozyomov saying Novosibirsk rally sites were taped off for a 'tree inspection' this month.
- Disapproval over Telegram restrictions has spread across political lines, fueling wider frustration as Communist Party regional branches held pickets in Naryan‑Mar and Syktyvkar, and Krasnodar authorized an outskirts rally.
- Unconfirmed media reports warn of a possible full Telegram block later this month, as activists seek more rallies on March 29 and Mediascope reports 93.6 million users in December 2025.
45 Articles
45 Articles
Russia halts protests over the blocking of a popular messaging app, but frustration persists
In one Russian city, officials blocked a rally due to a "tree inspection." Elsewhere, they blamed snow removal problems or still-existing COVID-19 restrictions. And in one location, administrators argued that the reason for the protest didn't exist.
The Kremlin's severe blocking of the Internet and apps massively interferes with everyday Russian life, reaching a new level of repression – which even brings up groups close to Putin against him.
Associated Press News
Russia thwarts protests over the blocking of a popular messaging app, but frustration persists
Authorities in nearly a dozen regions across Russian have refused to authorize protests in recent weeks over internet censorship and the blocking of Telegram, a popular messaging app.
Unexpectedly, a propagandist makes the most serious accusations against President Putin. His behaviour is puzzling. Internet barriers in Moscow and the blocking of Telegram also lead to dissatisfaction among supporters of the regime.
Russia foils protests over Telegram’s fate amid reports it’s already blocking the messenger
Russian authorities have been doing everything to thwart public demonstrations in defense of the popular messenger Telegram, which they are targeting with restrictions. A report detailing a number of such cases across the country has come out amid mounting complaints of disruptions, signaling that Moscow may have already started blocking the app. Russia prevents Telegram protests under fake pretexts Officials in several Russian regions, from Mos…
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