Telegram Fined For Failing To Remove 'Extremist Content'

Uploaded on 2025-04-14 in TECHNOLOGY-Key Areas-Social Media, INTELLIGENCE-Hot Spots-Russia, FREE TO VIEW

The social media and messaging platform Telegram, founded by Russian-born Pavel Durov, has been fined Ru7million Roubles ($80,000) by a Court in Moscow for refusing to remove content calling for terrorist attacks and participation in protests aiming to overthrow the Russian government.

Telegram is based in Dubai and the platform has nearly 1 billion users and is used widely in Russia, Ukraine and other former Soviet republics. According to reports, Durov has refused to recognise the Court's jurisdiction and is refusing to pay the fine.

This is not the first time that Telegram have been in trouble with the law and Durov faced criminal charges in France last year, when he was arrested and detained while on a visit to Paris where he was accused of suspected offences including unauthorised provision of encryption. He was detained in Paris until the end of last month, when French authorities allowed to return to Dubai.

The Moscow court’s decision centres on Telegram’s refusal to take action against channels that promoted extremist activity, including calls for violence against infrastructure and anti-government demonstrations. These charges are framed as being in support of Ukrainian forces during the continued conflict with Russia following the failed invasion attempt three years ago.

Telegram has faced numerous legal challenges when the platform is used to disseminate information outside of government control. In this case, the court documents highlighted specific channels on the platfrom that urged participation in protests designed to overthrow the government and conduct terrorist acts targeting railway systems.

Durov has been at the centre of several controversies involving the platform. His arrest in France was in connection with multiple allegations, including fraud, money laundering, and the distribution of illicit content. The was part of a broader investigation into the use of Telegram for facilitating illegal activities, particularly the dissemination of illegal content and the use of the platform for criminal coordination.

Durov’s arrest in France was significant, given his outspoken stance on user freedom and privacy, which has often put him at odds with governments seeking to regulate digital platforms more strictly.

After the arrest in France, Telegram announced said it would comply with government requests for content removal and other regulatory measures, in marked contrast to Durov's previous policy of resisting government pressure.

As the global reach of social media platforms continues to grow, the challenge of regulating content while maintaining free speech remains a complex issue. Telegram’s refusal to comply with Russian demands increases the tension between digital platforms and state authorities seeking to control information flow.

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