Russia restricts Telegram by up to 80%. Authorities invoke security and internet control.

Russian authorities have intensified the blocking of the Telegram messaging network, affecting nearly 80% of users, according to the newspaper Kommersant.

The percentage of failed searches has reached nearly 90% in certain regions, and problems have begun to manifest in sending text messages, not just in audio, photo, or video. Telecommunications expert Anastasia Bidjelovaia emphasized the difficulty of completely blocking Telegram but acknowledged that it can lead to extremely limited use. Users have reported thousands of issues, and the Russian judiciary has requested the localization of servers to compromise user privacy. It is estimated that Telegram will be completely blocked on April 1, in accordance with President Putin's plans to isolate Russia from the global internet.