Pavel Durov – Latest stories from Nourish

a { color: #880000 !important; background: #ffeeee !important; } Latest News from NourishThe Nourish Mission (formerly OneSub)Get answers to today's big questionsWhy is Pavel Durov in the news at the moment?

Pavel Durov faces Kremlin crackdown over Telegram’s refusal to cooperate on content bans, continuing his fight for digital independence.

Stories involving Pavel Durov

Russia Bans Snapchat and FaceTime

Russian authorities have announced bans on Snapchat and Apple’s FaceTime, accusing both of facilitating terrorist activities, recruitment, and crimes. The moves follow a series of restrictions on social media and messaging platforms since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, intensifying government control over online communication.

Russia Blocks WhatsApp, Pushes MAX

On February 12, 2026, Russia fully blocked WhatsApp, accusing Meta of non-compliance with Russian laws. The Kremlin urged users to switch to MAX, a state-backed messaging app criticized for surveillance risks. This move is part of Russia's broader internet control strategy amid ongoing restrictions on foreign platforms like Telegram, Facebook, and Instagram.

Russia Investigates Durov Over Telegram

Russian authorities are investigating Telegram founder Pavel Durov on suspicion of aiding terrorism, amid ongoing efforts to restrict the platform. The FSB claims Telegram refuses to cooperate, citing security concerns, as Russia pushes users toward a state-controlled app for surveillance.