Maintains it will not hand over user messages
Posted: Thu May 29, 2025 8:04 am
Ban Attempt (2018–2020): The Russian government demanded Telegram hand over encryption keys to access messages during anti-government protests.
Telegram refused, citing technical impossibility and privacy rights.
The app was banned in Russia for two years, but users circumvented it with VPNs.
The ban was lifted in 2020 after Telegram reportedly agreed to help combat terrorism content.
3.2. India
Indian authorities have repeatedly asked Telegram to take action against illegal telegram data content, such as copyright violations and misinformation.
Telegram has complied with requests to block channels, or personal data without valid court orders.
In 2023, Indian courts ordered Telegram to reveal the identity of channel admins accused of leaking educational content. Telegram complied only partially, disclosing IP addresses and phone numbers.
3.3. Germany
The German government has expressed concern over hate speech and extremist groups using Telegram.
Germany fined Telegram for failing to comply with local content moderation laws.
Telegram responded by removing hundreds of extremist channels, but again did not hand over user data unless it involved terrorism cases.
3.4. Iran and China
Telegram has been heavily restricted or blocked in both countries.
In Iran, it remains popular despite bans, often used via proxies or VPNs.
Telegram has refused to create custom versions that would allow local censorship or surveillance.
Telegram refused, citing technical impossibility and privacy rights.
The app was banned in Russia for two years, but users circumvented it with VPNs.
The ban was lifted in 2020 after Telegram reportedly agreed to help combat terrorism content.
3.2. India
Indian authorities have repeatedly asked Telegram to take action against illegal telegram data content, such as copyright violations and misinformation.
Telegram has complied with requests to block channels, or personal data without valid court orders.
In 2023, Indian courts ordered Telegram to reveal the identity of channel admins accused of leaking educational content. Telegram complied only partially, disclosing IP addresses and phone numbers.
3.3. Germany
The German government has expressed concern over hate speech and extremist groups using Telegram.
Germany fined Telegram for failing to comply with local content moderation laws.
Telegram responded by removing hundreds of extremist channels, but again did not hand over user data unless it involved terrorism cases.
3.4. Iran and China
Telegram has been heavily restricted or blocked in both countries.
In Iran, it remains popular despite bans, often used via proxies or VPNs.
Telegram has refused to create custom versions that would allow local censorship or surveillance.