Telegram founder Pavel Durov said Thursday that senior Russian officials are confused about who can block whom from the internet, after Russia declared him a 'terrorist' for refusing censorship and mass surveillance demands, according to a post on his the source.
Pavel Durov, founder of the encrypted messaging platform Telegram, responded Thursday evening to Russia's decision to add him to its list of terrorists and extremists. In a post on his the source, Durov said senior Russian officials are 'confused' about who can block whom from the internet, noting that under Russian law he is banned from 'publishing information on the internet.' Durov cited his refusal to comply with Russian demands for censorship and mass surveillance as the reason for his designation.
The statement follows The Zioneer's earlier report Thursday that Telegram subscribers in Russia are questioning whether paying for premium service could constitute financing terrorism after Durov's addition to the list. The Kremlin has not publicly commented on Durov's latest remarks. The Telegram founder remains based outside Russia and has been a vocal critic of government internet controls.
- DevelopingTelegram Post: Durov Is Russian but Supports 'Freedom of Action for Every Citizen'
- DevelopingTelegram subscribers in Russia question if paying for premium supports terrorism after Durov added to list
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- DevelopingCause of Telegram link outage clarified: accidental t.me block from misinterpreted US Treasury order
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