Telegram has rejected claims from Russian authorities that foreign intelligence agencies can access messages sent through the platform, saying no evidence of any encryption breach has ever been found.
The statement comes after Russia’s state communications regulator imposed restrictions on Telegram, accusing the messaging service of failing to remove extremist content. Russian Digital Development Minister Maksud Shadayev recently alleged that foreign intelligence services were able to view messages exchanged by Russian soldiers using the app during the conflict in Ukraine.
Telegram responded by strongly denying the accusation, stating that its encryption systems remain secure. The company said the claims were fabricated and intended to justify potential efforts to ban the platform and push users toward a government-controlled messaging service.
Telegram has become a widely used communication tool in Russia, particularly among soldiers, war correspondents, and public figures who rely on the app for both private conversations and public updates. The platform is commonly used by troops to communicate with family members and, in some cases, share operational information.
Russian authorities have already restricted or blocked several foreign communication services, including WhatsApp and Apple’s FaceTime, while encouraging citizens to adopt a new state-backed messaging application called MAX. Officials deny that the new platform is designed for surveillance, though critics have raised concerns about privacy and censorship.
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