The Telegram messaging app faces fines of up to 64 million roubles ($0.82 million) in eight upcoming Russian court hearings, state news agency RIA reported on Tuesday,

Russia's internet watchdog on Tuesday announced it was throttling the Telegram messenger platform for alleged legal violations, as Moscow tries to push its citizens into using a more tightly

WhatsApp has long been the most popular messaging app for Russians, followed closely by Telegram. This week, officials took major steps to cut them off and make them unusable—part of a long-running, two-pronged effort to control the information Russians access online.

On Tuesday, Telegram founder Pavel Durov hit back at Russian authorities as Moscow tightens its grip on foreign apps. Russia Clamps Down On Telegram Over Privacy Russia's communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor,

You can now "craft" gifts within the chat app for some reason.

Telegram's CEO said he will not be fazed by Russian attempts to limit access to the popular messaging app used by newsmakers of all kinds.

Tired of juggling chat apps on Android? Here's how to pick the right mix for privacy, popularity, and features so you never miss a message in 2026.