What Lies Ahead for Russian Users If Telegram Is Designated as an Extremist Organization

The situation surrounding Telegram in Russia is rapidly escalating. On February 24, 2026, it was reported that Russian law enforcement agencies had launched an investigation into the platform’s founder, Pavel Durov, as part of a criminal case regarding aiding and abetting terrorist activities (Part 1.1 of Article 205.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). Against the backdrop of these events and the ongoing “slowdown” of the messaging app (traffic degradation has reached 55%), the question is becoming increasingly pressing: what will happen to ordinary users if Telegram is officially recognized as an extremist or terrorist organization?

Will there be liability for mere use?

According to explanations provided by lawyers and experts, in and of itself Having the app on a smartphone, registering an account, or simply exchanging messages with contacts does not constitute participation in the activities of a banned organization.

Timur Chanyshev, chairman of the bar association, emphasizes that simply using the service does not constitute a crime. The legal assessment will be based not on the mere existence of the program, but on the individual’s specific actions and the presence of proven intent to support a prohibited organization. Thus, For most Russians, there should be no automatic criminal prosecution simply for using Telegram.

Where do the real risks begin?

Although there is no liability for mere use, certain actions may be classified as participation in or assistance to a prohibited organization (Art. 282.2 or 205.5 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). Lawyers consider the following to be dangerous actions:

• Administration: creating and managing channels or chat rooms that disseminate content on behalf of an organization that has been outlawed.
• Promotion and support: publicly endorsing the platform’s activities in light of its “banned” status, or distributing its official campaign materials.
• Recruitment and outreach: involving new individuals in the organization's activities.
• Funding: This is one of the most serious risks. Experts warn that if Telegram is designated as an extremist organization, any payment for its services—including Purchasing a Telegram Premium subscription — may be considered funding for extremist activities.

Why has Telegram come under attack?

Russian authorities cite several reasons for the intense pressure they are putting on the messaging app. According to the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications, and Mass Media, the platform ignored more than 150,000 claims regarding the removal of prohibited content (extremism, child pornography, drugs).

The FSB also claims that Telegram is used by terrorist cells for coordination, including the planning of the attack at Crocus City Hall.

Maksut Shadayev, head of the Ministry of Digital Development, stated that the ministry has evidence that the intelligence agencies of NATO countries have access to Telegram messages and are using this data during the special military operation.

What is the probability of a complete blockage?

The State Duma acknowledges that if the company’s management does not agree to the security agencies’ terms (establishing a legal entity in Russia, transferring data, and providing decryption keys for messages), the FSB may officially designate the messaging app as an accomplice to terrorists within the next 2–3 months. Reports have emerged of a possible complete block of the service with April 1, 2026, however, Roskomnadzor has not yet officially confirmed or denied these deadlines, recommending that citizens switch to domestic alternatives such as MAX.

Pavel Durov himself calls the charges of “aiding terrorism” politically motivated and views them as an attempt to suppress Russians’ right to privacy and freedom of speech.

As of now (February 2026), using Telegram is legal, although the service is experiencing significant disruptions due to measures to slow down traffic. In the event of an official ban, those who provide financial support to the platform or actively participate in promoting its agenda will be the first to be deemed “outlawed.” Lawyers advise ordinary users who use the messenger for personal communication to monitor official court rulings and exercise caution when paying for premium features.