**Russia Blocks Telegram App in Two Regions**
Authorities in Russia’s Dagestan and Chechnya have blocked the popular messaging app Telegram. This move was made due to security concerns, according to Russian state media.
The ban was put in place after a violent incident at Makhachkala airport in October 2023. The riot was sparked by antisemitic protests, and authorities suspect that the Telegram app was used to organize the unrest.
A government official argued that the app’s weak content moderation allows extremist material to spread unchecked. Russia has been cracking down on online communication, blocking other messaging apps like Signal and planning to ban WhatsApp.
**Why Was Telegram Blocked?**
The Russian government is unhappy with Telegram’s approach to controlling user-generated content. A State Duma member said that the company needs to rethink its moderation policies to prevent extremist material from spreading.
Users in Dagestan and Chechnya are being encouraged to switch to other messaging apps. These regions have a history of terrorist attacks and clashes between security forces and armed groups.
**What’s Happening with Telegram Globally?**
In Ukraine, the Telegram app was banned for government officials due to concerns about national security. The Ukrainian military intelligence chief called Telegram “harmful” and a threat to the country‘s security.
The founder of Telegram, Pavel Durov, is facing charges in France related to child pornography, drug trafficking, money laundering, and withholding information from investigators.