Telegram crackdown alienates Russian pro-war bloggers

A Russian crackdown on the Telegram social media app risks damaging its own army, pro-war bloggers warned yesterday.

- Pjotr Sauer

The country's communications watchdog says the app - used by more than 60 million Russians - is being slowed down because it has failed to address regulatory violations.

The decision has sparked rare public criticism across Russian society, from frontline troops and hawkish military bloggers to lifestyle influencers and exiled opposition figures.

The move fits into the Kremlin's aim of achieving a "sovereign internet" cut off from western technology and foreign influence, and more under state control.

At the same time, officials have been promoting a state-backed "super-app" called Max, modelled on China's WeChat.

It is unclear whether Moscow will move to block Telegram outright or initially slow the service in an attempt to make the company work more closely with the authorities.

Users reported sluggish traffic and delayed video and image downloads on Tuesday, although the app continued to work for most functions.