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Russia's Minister Accuses Telegram of Security Breach; App Denies

2/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

Maksut Shadayev, Russia's digital development minister, claimed that foreign intelligence services can access messages sent by Russian soldiers, citing evidence.
Telegram rejected the claim, stating that no breaches of its encryption have been found and calling the allegations a fabrication.
Shadayev also accused Telegram of failing to comply with 150,000 requests to remove banned content.
Russia has imposed limitations on Telegram and promoted a state-backed messaging app called MAX.

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Story summary

Maksut Shadayev, Russia's digital development minister, claimed that foreign intelligence services can access messages sent by Russian soldiers, citing evidence.
Telegram rejected the claim, stating that no breaches of its encryption have been found and calling the allegations a fabrication.
Shadayev also accused Telegram of failing to comply with 150,000 requests to remove banned content.
Russia has imposed limitations on Telegram and promoted a state-backed messaging app called MAX.