Russia begins blocking access to Telegram

MOSCOW: Russia´s communications watchdog on Monday began blocking access to the popular messaging app Telegram after a court banned the service for refusing to give the security services access to private conversations.

"Roskomnadzor has received the ruling of (Mosco’s) Tagansky court to block Telegram’s services on Russian territory. This information was sent to providers on Monday," the watchdog said in a statement.

Some Russian internet providers began blocking Telegram on Monday afternoon. "Russian authorities have begun blocking Telegram. The service could be unstable without a VPN. We will inform you on the developing situation," the messaging app notified its Russian users.

Around 10 activists were arrested after demonstrating outside the FSB security service headquarters against the move, Maria Alekhina, a member of the Russian protest punk group Pussy Riot, told Ekho Moskvy radio. Pussy Riot members were among those arrested, she said.