Russia’s communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, has begun slowing down and limiting access to Telegram, the messaging app, according to a recent report by the Russian news outlet RBC. Russian authorities are promoting a state-backed alternative called Max instead of Telegram and Whatsapp.

The regulator said it would continue to impose what it described as “successive restrictions” on the platform, arguing that Telegram has failed to take sufficient measures to curb fraud and criminal activity.

According to a recent report by Reuters, users in Moscow had experienced disruptions to the service, including delays and connection problems. One user cited by the news agency said the restrictions were making it difficult to stay in touch with friends and family, many of whom rely on Telegram as their primary means of communication.

The latest measures follow earlier actions taken in August 2025, when Roskomnadzor partially blocked voice calls on Telegram and WhatsApp. At the time, the regulator said the services were being used for extortion and activities it described as linked to terrorism. Around the same period, Russian authorities ordered manufacturers to pre-install a state-supported messaging app Max, on smartphones and tablets sold in the country, as per the Reuters report.