Story perspectives

Russia Plans Telegram Ban to Boost State-Controlled App

3/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Russian authorities plan to block Telegram by April 2026 to push users to the state-controlled app Max.
The move could affect the economy and complicate military operations in Ukraine, as Telegram serves about 100 million people in Russia.
The Federal Anti-Monopoly Service has declared Telegram ads illegal, signaling a crackdown.
VPN use is rising and some tech enthusiasts are building radio-based networks to sustain communication amid censorship.

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Story summary

The Russian authorities plan to block Telegram by April 2026 to push users to the state-controlled app Max.
The move could affect the economy and complicate military operations in Ukraine, as Telegram serves about 100 million people in Russia.
The Federal Anti-Monopoly Service has declared Telegram ads illegal, signaling a crackdown.
VPN use is rising and some tech enthusiasts are building radio-based networks to sustain communication amid censorship.