Russia fines Telegram messenger over US$430,000

Russia has fined the Telegram messaging app US$432,366 for failing to remove prohibited content.

Source: Interfax, a Kremlin-aligned Russian news outlet

Details: Russian authorities have repeatedly accused Telegram – one of the most popular messaging platforms in Russia – of allowing its services to be used to spread illegal and extremist content.

Telegram has rejected these accusations and, in turn, accused Russia of attempting to restrict its services in order to force users to switch to a state-backed messenger called MAX.

Background: In February, it was reported that the actions of Telegram founder Pavel Durov were being investigated in Russia as part of a criminal case under an article on aiding terrorist activity.

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