The Head of Federal Supervision Agency for Information Technologies and Communications Aleksandr Zharov accused the founder of Telegram Pavel Durov of indulgence in terrorist activities. The official posted a corresponding message in the official group of the regulator at “Vkontakte”.

      Zharov noted that he hadheard no “substantive answer” from Durov to the ultimatum put by the regulatory body addressing the Telegram team. “The company managing the communication services mentioned in Mr. Durov’s message independently decides on the execution of Russian legislation and dialogue with the authorities of the Russian Federation” - he said, apparently alluding to WhatsApp Messenger or Facebook Messenger belonging to Facebook.