Winning Bizness Desk

Mumbai.Russia has placed Telegram founder Pavel Durov on its international wanted list after its main domestic security agency accused him of promoting terrorism by failing to curb extremist activity on the messaging platform. The latest case has intensified concerns that Telegram could face a complete ban in Russia if authorities decide to tighten action against the widely used application.

Russian officials claim the platform failed to remove channels, chats and automated bots allegedly used by Ukrainian intelligence agencies and extremist groups for sabotage, cyber fraud and terrorist activities inside the country.

Security Agency Levels Serious Allegations

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSS) said Telegram's administration repeatedly ignored official warnings to remove content and accounts that allegedly threatened national security. According to the agency, the platform failed to take effective measures despite multiple notices issued by security authorities.

The new criminal case against Durov has significantly escalated the dispute between Russian authorities and the messaging service, raising uncertainty over Telegram's future operations within the country.

Key allegations made by the FSS include:

• Failure to remove channels linked to alleged extremist activities.
• Inaction against bots reportedly used for cyber fraud.
• Allowing alleged Ukrainian intelligence-linked networks to remain active.
• Ignoring repeated security warnings issued by Russian authorities.

Complete Telegram Ban Now Possible

The latest legal action has fuelled speculation that Russia could move towards blocking Telegram entirely. Although the app has faced restrictions in the past, it remains one of the country's most widely used messaging platforms.

Ironically, Telegram continues to be used not only by millions of ordinary Russians but also by government officials and military-linked users for communication, despite years of regulatory pressure. The fresh charges may now push authorities to adopt stronger enforcement measures if the platform fails to satisfy official demands.

Durov Operates Company From Dubai

Pavel Durov, born in Russia in 1984, left the country in 2014 following disputes with the Russian government over data privacy and freedom of expression. He later obtained French citizenship in 2021 and currently manages Telegram from Dubai.

Often referred to as "Russia's Mark Zuckerberg", Durov founded VK, Russia's largest social networking platform, before launching Telegram, which has grown into one of the world's leading encrypted messaging services.

Who Is Russia's Federal Security Service?

The Federal Security Service, or FSS, is Russia's principal domestic security and intelligence agency. It is widely regarded as the successor to the Soviet-era KGB and is responsible for counter-terrorism, border security and cyber surveillance across the country.

At the centre of the latest controversy:

• The FSS says Telegram has become a tool for extremist networks.
• Durov now faces terrorism-related charges in Russia.
• His inclusion on the international wanted list marks a major escalation.
• Telegram has also faced regulatory scrutiny and controversies in several countries, including India, over concerns ranging from illegal content to data governance.