MOSCOW, March 16 – Russian officials have imposed a substantial financial penalty of 35 million roubles, equivalent to $432,366, against the Telegram messaging platform for allegedly refusing to delete prohibited material, according to Monday reports from Russia’s Interfax news service.
Government officials have consistently criticized Telegram, which ranks among Russia’s most widely-used messaging applications, claiming the platform permits the distribution of illegal and extremist material through its services.
The messaging company disputes these allegations and has countered by claiming Russian authorities are intentionally disrupting its operations in an effort to compel users to migrate to MAX, a government-controlled messaging application.
The fine was calculated using an exchange rate of 80.95 roubles per U.S. dollar.
