Roskomnadzor is in the news for cracking down on messaging apps, blocking platforms, and tightening online censorship in Russia. The agency, led by a Russian federal watchdog overseeing media and IT, enforces censorship.
As of February 27, 2026, Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) is investigating Telegram founder Pavel Durov for allegedly aiding terrorist activities. This follows Moscow's escalating restrictions on Telegram, citing security risks and refusal to cooperate. Durov, living abroad, denies wrongdoing and accuses Russia of suppressing free speech while pushing a state-controlled app for surveillance.
Since early March 2026, Russia has imposed widespread mobile internet disruptions in Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Leningrad region, restricting access to government-approved websites. These measures follow drone threat warnings and reflect ongoing wartime controls. Telecom operators report external orders to limit connectivity, with daily restrictions now affecting most regions nationwide.
Russian authorities are increasing efforts to prevent protests against internet censorship and Telegram bans. Despite legal challenges and smaller gatherings, discontent persists across regions, with authorities citing various reasons to block demonstrations. Internet outages and online calls for protests highlight ongoing tensions over free speech and government control.
Roskomnadzor has been at the center of a February-to-April surge in security claims, with authorities alleging Ukrainian involvement in a string of sabotage attempts and threatening online information controls amid broader war-time tensions. The latest case involves a supposed drone- or bomb-related plot raising questions about Ukrainian influence and internal security responses.
Tashiev has been charged in Kyrgyzstan in a move that could destabilize the country’s power-sharing arrangement with Japarov. The charges carry up to 20 years in prison and the trial is to be held behind closed doors with reporting banned.