{"id":44380,"date":"2018-04-13T10:26:59","date_gmt":"2018-04-13T17:26:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cryptoslate.com\/?p=44380"},"modified":"2020-04-09T18:43:22","modified_gmt":"2020-04-09T17:43:22","slug":"russia-orders-telegram-block-over-encryption-key-order","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cryptoslate.com\/russia-orders-telegram-block-over-encryption-key-order\/","title":{"rendered":"Russia Orders Telegram Block Over Encryption Key Order"},"content":{"rendered":"

In a move that could have a severe impact on how the global cryptocurrency market communicates, a Russian court has ruled that telecommunications providers must block highly popular encrypted messaging app Telegram within the country. The decision was made in Moscow earlier today, approving a request submitted by Roskomnadzor \u2014 the Russian media regulator \u2014 that the app be blocked immediately.<\/p>\n

The ruling is the result of an ongoing legal battle between the telecommunications watchdog, Telegram, and the FSB \u2014 Russia\u2019s Federal Security Service, who argue that the platform\u2019s encryption keys must be handed over to the Russian government in order to allow them to access user data.<\/p>\n

Russian news agency Tass announced<\/a> the impending Telegram block earlier today, referencing Judge Yulia Smolina of Moscow\u2019s Tagansky court, who stated that the court\u2019s decision must be implemented instantly:<\/p>\n

“The ban on access to information will be in force until the FSB\u2019s demands are met on providing keys for decrypting user messages.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Telegram vs. the FSB<\/h2>\n
\"Russian
Related Story:\u00a0Russian Government Prepares Stringent New ICO Regulations<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The fractious relationship between Telegram and the Russian government can be traced back to the summer of 2017, in which Russian officials stated that members of terrorist organizations operating within the country used the encrypted messaging service to orchestrate the April 2017 St. Petersburg's metro bombing attack.<\/p>\n

Subsequent to the attack, the FSB requested encryption key data from Telegram CEO, Pavel Durov, in order to decrypt the messages sent between six phone numbers related to the event. Telegram did not provide any encryption key data to the FSB, resulting in an 800,000 Ruble ($13,000 USD) fine being levied against the organization in October 2017.<\/p>\n

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Threats to block Telegram unless it gives up private data of its users won't bear fruit. Telegram will stand for freedom and privacy.<\/p>\n

— Pavel Durov (@durov) March 20, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n