Critics say restricting social media app risks harming communications between state, military units and public
A Russian crackdown on the Telegram social media app risks damaging its own army and soldiers, pro-war bloggers have warned, as the platform’s founder refused to bend to pressure from Moscow.
Russia’s communications watchdog said on Wednesday that the app – used by more than 60 million Russians each day – would begin slowing nationwide, accusing it of failing to address earlier regulatory violations.
The decision has triggered rare public criticism across Russian society, from frontline troops and hawkish military bloggers to lifestyle influencers and exiled opposition figures.
The move fits into the Kremlin’s aim to achieve a “sovereign internet” – an online space cut off from western technology and foreign influence, and more vulnerable to state control.
