Telegram network blocking in Russia approaches 80%, according to media

Moscow .- The blocking of the Telegram messaging network by the Russian authorities is now approaching 80%, according to the Kommersant newspaper on Tuesday. The percentage of failed searches on Telegram reached almost 90% in some regions of this country, the newspaper specifies, based on data from the Merilo traffic control service. Kommersant believes that the network has stopped functioning normally, since, if the sending of audios, photos and videos was previously slowed down, now there are also problems with texts. The problems with the service devised by the Russian Pável Dúrov began last weekend, coinciding with the nationwide internet outages. Telecommunications expert Anastasiya Bidzhelóvaya believes that it is very difficult to completely block Telegram, a network that has about 100 million users in this country. However, she added, "it is totally real to take the situation to a point where it is impossible to use it." We recommend reading:

Users complain about operational issues

According to the press, in recent days thousands of complaints have been sent by users to report problems with the functioning of Telegram, the main means of communication and information for many Russians. In the Duma or chamber of deputies of Russia, they warned last week that Telegram would stop working soon, even with the use of virtual private networks (VPNs). Russian Justice demands that Telegram locate the servers that store user data, which would endanger the privacy of Internet users. In addition, it accuses the messaging service of offering a platform for scammers and people who want to commit various crimes. Telegram's owner, Pavel Durov, assures that Russian authorities seek to censor freedom of expression in the country. Telegram's slowdown began in February and followed the blocking of WhatsApp, once the most popular messaging service in Russia. The press predicts that this network will be completely blocked on April 1st, a measure that, according to independent analysts, is part of Russian President Vladimir Putin's plans to completely disconnect the country from the global internet. In that case, the Russians will only be able to access what is known in this country as 'white lists', which exclusively include resources, media, and services approved by the security services.