Telegram under threat: in Russia, there is talk of a complete blocking of the messenger from April 1

Russian media reported a possible complete blocking of Telegram in Russia from April 1. According to sources in the agencies, Roskomnadzor may start jamming the messenger across the country — similar to the previously restricted Instagram and Facebook.

This is not about isolated failures, but about a potential shutdown of access through mobile networks and stationary internet providers. There is no official confirmation yet, but the regulator’s wording leaves room for interpretation.

What is known about the possible blocking of Telegram in Russia

According to Russian media reports, the blocking of Telegram in Russia may be implemented according to an already tested scheme. The application will stop loading regardless of the type of connection — mobile internet or wired networks.

Sources claim that Roskomnadzor is preparing to apply technical traffic filtering measures similar to those previously used to restrict access to Meta platforms.

The official reaction of Roskomnadzor was restrained. The agency stated that they have “nothing to add to the previously published information on this issue.” No specific dates, mechanisms, or denials were mentioned.

Context: Instagram, Facebook, and the practice of total restrictions

Previously, Instagram and Facebook were blocked in Russia. The restrictions apply throughout the country, and access to these platforms is only possible through bypass tools.

If Telegram is blocked in the same model, it means the actual disappearance of one of the key communication channels for millions of users.

Telegram in Russia is used not only as a messenger but also as an information platform, a tool for business, media, and government structures. Its blocking will affect a wide range of areas — from private correspondence to corporate channels.

Technical side and possible consequences

A complete blocking of Telegram in Russia will require large-scale filtering intervention at the level of communication operators. This means controlling and restricting traffic by IP addresses and domain zones.

In the conditions of 2026, such measures are technically feasible, but they are accompanied by side effects — disruptions in the operation of related services and additional load on the providers’ infrastructure.

Experts note that in the event of a total shutdown, the use of VPN services and alternative communication channels will increase.

At the same time, the state gains an additional lever of control over the digital space.

For the audience of NANews — News of Israel | Nikk.Agency this topic is important not only as a domestic Russian news. Telegram remains a key platform for disseminating information about the war in Ukraine, sanctions, international politics, and the positions of various parties.

Blocking the messenger in Russia may affect the speed and structure of information flows, including the work of independent sources and cross-border media.

Political background and rhetoric

Formally, the regulator has not confirmed the decision to block. However, the lack of a clear position increases uncertainty.

In the public space, the thesis about the need for a “sovereign internet” and strengthening control over digital platforms is increasingly heard. Telegram in this logic is considered an independent channel, not fully integrated into the state regulation system.

The phrase “life has become better, life has become more fun” in the current context sounds like an ironic reference to the expanding restrictions in the information sphere.

If the decision to block is implemented, April 1 will not become a symbolic date, but a point of another change in the digital architecture within Russia.

For now, the fact remains: rumors of a complete blocking of Telegram in Russia have not been officially refuted, and the regulator’s reaction is evasive. In the current political configuration, this in itself is already a signal.