Telegram fined by Russian court over anti-government content

A Moscow court has fined Telegram Messenger 7 million roubles (approximately $80,000) for its refusal to remove content deemed anti-government, according to a report by TASS. The court documents revealed that the platform failed to delete information and channels containing calls for extremist activities, including participation in protests aimed at overthrowing the Russian government and terrorist attacks on railway transport.

"Telegram Messenger, being the owner of an information resource, failed to remove information or channels containing calls for extremist activity," TASS reported, citing court documents.

The content in question reportedly included calls to support Ukrainian forces and engage in activities against the Russian state. Telegram, founded by Russian-born entrepreneur Pavel Durov and now based in Dubai, has not yet commented on the ruling. The platform, widely used in Russia and has faced increasing scrutiny from Russian authorities in recent years.

After spending several months in France, Pavel Durov returned to Dubai in March, following his August 2024 arrest and subsequent investigation into allegations involving Telegram's use for crimes such as fraud, money laundering, and the distribution of child sexual abuse material.

This fine is part of a broader crackdown on dissent and anti-government activities in Russia, with authorities intensifying efforts to control online platforms.

With agency inputs