Russia Initiates Partial Telegram Block Amid Privacy and Censorship Disputes

Russia has begun blocking Telegram in major cities, including Moscow and St. Petersburg, citing demands for local server data and concerns over illegal content. Telegram's founder Pavel Durov claims the move aims to suppress freedom of expression and comes after restrictions on similar platforms like WhatsApp. This escalation highlights Moscow's tightening control over digital communication, with the next challenge focusing on how Telegram and its roughly 100 million Russian users will respond.