Russia adds Telegram founder Pavel Durov to list of terrorists and extremists

Russian authorities have placed Pavel Durov, the co-founder of the popular messaging app Telegram, on a list of "terrorists and extremists." The designation by the Federal Financial Monitoring Service (Rosfinmonitoring) signifies a significant escalation in the Russian government's actions against the tech entrepreneur.

Durov's name now appears in the registry with an asterisk, indicating that criminal proceedings have been initiated against him under terrorism-related charges. Russian media reports suggest that Durov is accused of facilitating terrorist activities, and authorities have begun the process of seeking his international arrest.

The move comes amid ongoing tensions between Russia and Telegram, which has been a platform for various groups, including those critical of the Russian government and, according to Russian authorities, those used by Ukrainian intelligence services. Russia has previously demanded that Telegram remove content it deems extremist or illegal, a demand the platform has often resisted.

This designation places Durov in the same category as individuals and organizations officially recognized by Russia as engaging in or supporting terrorism. The implications for Durov, who resides outside of Russia, remain to be seen, but it signals a strong intent by the Russian state to pursue legal action against him.