Kremlin's Crackdown on Telegram Sparks Criticism from Russian Military and Bloggers
The Kremlin has initiated a crackdown on the Telegram app, a popular messaging platform in Russia, citing non-compliance with Russian law. This move has led to widespread criticism from various sectors of Russian society, including soldiers, pro-war bloggers, and officials. The Russian communications watchdog announced that Telegram would experience a nationwide slowdown, accusing it of regulatory violations. Despite the crackdown, Telegram remains operational, though users have reported sluggish performance. The Kremlin's actions are part of a broader strategy to establish a 'sovereign internet,' reducing reliance on Western technology and increasing state control. Telegram's founder, Pavel Durov, has publicly criticized the restrictions, emphasizing the app's commitment to freedom of speech and privacy.