Russia is investigating Pavel Durov, founder of messaging application Telegram, on charges of supporting terrorism.
Russian state media Rossiyskaya Gazeta reported on the 24th (local time) that "Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) is investigating a criminal case against Durov under the terrorism support provisions of Russian criminal law."
The outlet stated that "Durov promoted Telegram as a secure messenger by applying end-to-end encryption technology." It added, "However, criminals attracted by anonymity have flocked to Telegram, and it has become a tool primarily used by NATO and Ukraine."
The report continued, "The Russian parliament and authorities have required service providers to protect user data and remove illegal content, but Telegram has not complied."
Russia restricted Telegram's voice calls in August last year and imposed additional limitations including speed throttling on the 10th of this month. Analysts have suggested Russia is restricting popular messengers such as Telegram and WhatsApp to promote its state-backed messenger Max.
Telegram and Durov did not comment on the report. Russia has previously claimed Telegram has become a breeding ground for crime and is used by Western and Ukrainian intelligence agencies. Telegram has denied these allegations.