The Telegram network block in Russia is advancing strongly and already approaches 80% effectiveness, according to data from the newspaper Kommersant. In some areas, failed searches exceed 90%, based on reports from the Merilo service. What began as slowdowns in audio, photos and videos now also affects simple text messages.
The issues arose last weekend, coinciding with national internet outages. Pavel Durov, creator of the app, argues that it is an attempt to censor freedom of expression. Russia demands locating users’ servers, citing risks of scams and crimes, which clashes with the privacy promised by Telegram.
Mass complaints from Russian users
Thousands of Russians report failures in the Telegram network block, their main news and information channel. In the Duma, they warned that even VPNs will not save access soon. Experts such as Anastasia Bidzhelova note that a total block is complex with 100 million users, but possible to the point of making it unusable.
Historical context of the Telegram network block
This effort follows the WhatsApp block in February, when it was the leading Russian messaging service. Forecasts indicate a total shutdown on April 1, part of a plan to isolate Russia from the global internet, limiting access to ‘whitelisted’ sites approved by security. In 2018, a previous attempt failed due to evasion tools, but now, with massive cuts, it is gaining ground.
Implications for privacy and communication
Russian courts have accumulated lawsuits: they have already requested the removal of more than 35,600 prohibited contents in 2026. Users are seeking alternatives, but the Telegram network block exposes digital vulnerabilities. Independent analysts link this to Vladimir Putin‘s strategies for sovereign control of the network.
- 80%: Current effectiveness of the block.
- 90%: Failures in specific regions.
- 100 million: Users affected in Russia.
The Telegram network block redefines communication in the country, forcing rapid adaptation in an increasingly restricted digital ecosystem. Similar cases in China and Iran show that such measures persist, impacting global information flows.
