Pavel Durov calls out Russia’s strategy behind Telegram restrictions

Telegram founder Pavel Durov has called Russia’s attempts to restrict access to the messenger a deliberate strategy aimed at pushing users toward a government-controlled app designed for surveillance and political censorship.

Russia is following the same playbook Iran used eight years ago when it banned Telegram under questionable pretenses.

Despite the official ban, most Iranians continue to use Telegram by bypassing the blocks.

Durov emphasized that the company remains committed to freedom of speech and user privacy, no matter the pressure from authorities.

Durov’s remarks came on the heels of the recent restrictions on Telegram access in Russia. He drew parallels to Iran’s crackdown eight years ago, where the government tried-and failed-to force users onto a state-run alternative.

According to Durov, Iran’s approach backfired, with the majority of citizens continuing to use Telegram despite censorship, preferring it over state-monitored apps.

“Restricting citizens’ freedom is never the right solution. Telegram stands for free speech and privacy despite any pressure,” Durov said.

The founder didn’t detail the exact tactics Russian authorities are using against Telegram but described them as efforts to coerce users into switching to a government-monitored app, built explicitly for surveillance and political censorship.

Full quote from Durov’s Telegram channel:

“Russia is restricting access to Telegram, trying to force its citizens onto a state-controlled app designed for surveillance and political censorship. Eight years ago, Iran tried the same strategy – and failed. It banned Telegram on flimsy grounds, attempting to push people to a government alternative. Despite the ban, the majority of Iranians still use Telegram (bypassing censorship) and prefer it over apps subjected to surveillance. Restricting citizens’ freedom is never the right solution. Telegram stands for free speech and privacy, no matter the pressure.”