Telegram rejects Moscow's claims about encryption leak

Telegram has rejected claims by the Russian government that its encryption has been compromised and that foreign intelligence services can read messages sent by Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine. According to its own statements, it has not detected any breaches of its security.

"The Russian government's claim that our encryption has been compromised is a deliberate fabrication designed to justify banning Telegram and forcing citizens to use a state-controlled messaging platform designed for mass surveillance and censorship," the platform said.

The Russian communications regulator imposed restrictions on the platform on the grounds that it does not remove extremist content. Minister of Digital Development Maksud Shadayev said that foreign services had access to messages from Russian soldiers. According to Russian soldiers, war correspondents, and politicians, the app is used to communicate with families and for some operational purposes.

Moscow has already restricted other foreign services, including WhatsApp and FaceTime, and has called on citizens to use the new state-supported MAX app. The authorities deny that it is intended for surveillance.

(reuters, max)