Russia Fines Telegram IDR 7.3 Billion for Failing to Remove Prohibited Content

Russia has imposed a fine on the instant messaging app Telegram (PHOTO: X @Q0MT6pFmbVqynsM)

JAKARTA - The Russian government has fined the instant messaging application Telegram by around 432,366 US dollars or around Rp7.3 billion for failing to remove content deemed illegal by the country's regulator.

According to an Interfax news agency report, the Russian court decided to impose sanctions after Telegram did not comply with the authorities' request to remove a number of content categorized as prohibited or extremist material.

Telegram is one of the most popular communication apps in Russia, widely used for private conversations, group discussions, and public information dissemination. However, Russian regulators in recent years have increased surveillance of digital platforms that are considered to be non-compliant with national content rules.

The company assessed that the allegations were not entirely based. Telegram stated that the pressure exerted by the Russian authorities was allegedly related to the government's efforts to encourage the use of a state-backed messaging application called MAX.

This dispute shows the increasingly frequent tensions between the Russian government and private technology companies operating in the country. Digital regulation in Russia in recent years has become increasingly strict, especially regarding the surveillance of online communications and the distribution of information on the internet.

A number of human rights organizations have also highlighted the situation of freedom of expression in Russia, which is increasingly limited. They said the government increased pressure on critical news sites, virtual private network (VPN) services, and individuals who voiced criticism through digital platforms.

On the other hand, many Russian citizens still rely on Telegram as their main means of communication, both for private conversations and community discussions. This makes regulator policies often raise concerns among users about possible service disruptions or access restrictions.

The latest fine adds to a long list of disputes between Telegram and Russian regulators, illustrating the challenges foreign or private technology companies face when operating in a country with very strict digital content regulations.