μ-Note: Telegram Ads Now Illegal... in Russia

A number of reports make clear that Telegram advertising is illegal in Russia. The reasons for this new action against the most popular messaging service in Russia are fuzzy. The Kremlin wants Russian Telegram Messenger users to shift to MAX, a government-authorized messaging service. A few observers think that the Kremlin wants to put financial pressure on the messaging service to make the company more compliant.

Penalties would apply to Telegram, advertisers, and the advertising firms selling advertising for the company. Telegram itself sells advertising to large companies, allowing ad agencies to handle smaller accounts.

The Kremlin is sensitive to criticism about its special operation in Ukraine. Also, MAX provides more actionable information to Russian authorities than Telegram's low profile and cumbersome methods.

Telegram's owner Pavel Durov awaits trial in France for a number of serious allegations related to his online system. Telegram reported a financial loss for fiscal 2025 in the neighborhood of $220 million. Now pressure is being applied to the company in Russia.

Will Telegram be blocked in Russia if this escalation does not yield the desired results? Is it possible for Russia to curtail access to Telegram? In the midst of war, Iran and Ukraine continue to have some access to online services.

The Kremlin's actions make clear that Telegram is a target.

Stephen E Arnold, March 11, 2026