Telegram Dismisses Russian Allegations of Encryption Breaches

Telegram unequivocally denied allegations from the Russian government that the app's encryption has been compromised by foreign intelligence services. The messaging platform, popular among Russian soldiers for both personal and operational communication, dismissed the claims as a strategy to push citizens towards a state-controlled alternative.

Russia's digital development minister, Maksud Shadayev, recently suggested that foreign entities could intercept Telegram messages sent by troops in Ukraine. In response, Telegram stated that the app's encryption remains unbreached, contradicting the government's assertions.

The allegation, deemed a fabrication by Telegram, is viewed as part of a broader attempt by Russian authorities to enforce the use of a new state-backed app, MAX. This move follows the restriction of other foreign messaging services such as WhatsApp and FaceTime, with authorities denying that MAX is a surveillance tool.