Telegram Ban Sparks Major Banking Crisis in Russia, Claims Founder Pavel Durov
Synopsis
Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, reveals that over 50 million Russians use the platform daily, despite a government ban. The ban led to a significant banking crisis, forcing cash to become the only payment method. Durov also highlights a similar trend in Iran.
Key Takeaways
Over 50 million Russians use Telegram daily despite a ban.
Attempts to block VPNs led to a banking crisis.
Durov highlights a 'Digital Resistance' in Iran.
The Russian government’s ban efforts have failed to suppress Telegram usage.
Successful apps arise from competition, not bans, according to Durov.
New Delhi, April 4 (NationPress) Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, announced on Saturday that over 50 million Russians utilize the messaging service daily, despite a government-imposed ban. The attempts to restrict virtual private networks (VPNs) led to a significant failure in the banking system, leaving cash as the sole means of transaction for a brief period.
Durov shared on the microblogging platform X that more than 50 million Russians send at least one message on Telegram each day, bringing the total number of daily active users in Russia to approximately 65 million.
He also mentioned that the number of monthly active users could potentially be double that figure.
For years, the Russian government has made efforts to ban Telegram and the VPNs that allow access to it. However, Durov indicated that these blocking attempts backfired, resulting in a substantial disruption to the nation's banking framework.
He drew parallels with Iran, which is experiencing a similar scenario.
Even after banning Telegram several years ago, the Iranian government’s strategy to direct users toward state-approved surveillance messaging apps resulted in a surge in VPN usage. According to Durov, Telegram now boasts over 50 million active users in Iran, a group he referred to as the 'Digital Resistance.'
Durov stated, "50 million members of the 'Digital Resistance' in Iran are joined by over 50 million in Russia."
These comments come amidst escalating tensions between Durov and Russian authorities.
In a February statement, Durov revealed that Russia had initiated a criminal investigation against him for 'aiding terrorism,' which he labeled a fabricated excuse to limit access to Telegram and stifle privacy and freedom of expression.
"A sad spectacle of a state afraid of its own people," he remarked at that time.
Durov also criticized Russia's broader initiative to ban foreign technology platforms in favor of domestic alternatives, describing the strategy as unrealistic.
He argued that successful national super apps, such as WeChat, KakaoTalk, and LINE, were developed through intense private competition rather than by eliminating competitors.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the serious implications of Durov's statements. The persistent use of Telegram despite governmental restrictions highlights a growing resistance among citizens. The situation underscores a broader narrative of state control and the public's response to such measures, making it a vital subject for analysis.
NationPress
14 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Russians use Telegram daily?
Over 50 million Russians use Telegram daily, according to founder Pavel Durov.
What impact did the Telegram ban have on banking in Russia?
The attempts to block VPN access to Telegram resulted in a nationwide banking failure, forcing cash to be the only payment method temporarily.
What does Durov mean by 'Digital Resistance'?
Durov refers to the over 50 million active Telegram users in Iran as the 'Digital Resistance,' emphasizing their defiance against state surveillance apps.
What has been the Russian government's approach to Telegram?
The Russian government has spent years trying to ban Telegram and the VPNs used to access it, but these efforts have been largely ineffective.
What concerns did Durov express about the Russian government's actions?
Durov criticized the government's criminal case against him as a pretext to limit access to Telegram and suppress privacy and free speech.
