Russia charges Telegram founder with aiding terrorism, seeks his arrest

Core Impact Points

• Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) accused Telegram of failing to remove channels and bots used by Ukrainian intelligence agencies and extremist organizations.
• The charges against Durov, who could face up to life in prison, are part of a long-term effort to bring the internet under the Kremlin's control.
• Telegram's official account responded with an image of Durov making an obscene gesture, but the company has not commented further.
• The move is seen as part of Russia's efforts to restrict access to the internet and promote its own national messaging app, MAX.
• Durov has faced similar charges in the past, including a 2024 arrest in Paris over allegations of illicit activity on Telegram.
• The US-based messaging app WhatsApp has also been restricted in Russia, with the country attempting to block it in an effort to drive users to a state-owned surveillance app.