Telegram Messenger
, a popular messaging app, has expressed its
confusion
over the recent dropping of fines against major
technology companies
in Russia. Despite being one of the companies involved, Telegram claims to have no assets, offices, or employees in
Russia
, reports Reuters.
According to online records from the state bailiffs' database, fines imposed on Alphabet's Google and YouTube, Meta, TikTok, and Telegram have been settled, as these companies are no longer listed as debtors.
However, Telegram, which has no physical presence in Russia, remains unaware of the reasons behind the
dropped fines
.
In response to the situation, a spokesperson for Telegram informed Reuters that the company lacks any assets, offices, employees, or equipment in Russia. Consequently, they are unable to provide any insight into the motives behind the dropped fines against Telegram and the other companies involved.
Telegram also mentioned that certain Russian news outlets have speculated that the fines were terminated due to the bailiffs' inability to locate assets that could be seized.
These developments reflect Russia's ongoing conflicts with foreign technology companies, primarily concerning the presence of unlawful content and the storage of user data within the country. These disputes have escalated since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Telegram enjoys significant popularity in Russia, serving as a messaging platform and a source of news for many users. The founder and CEO of Telegram, Pavel Durov, left Russia in 2014 after losing control of his previous company. He currently holds dual citizenship in the United Arab Emirates and France.
Why Telegram was being fined
The Telegram app, along with Google, YouTube, Meta and TikTok, faced fines in Russia, reportedly due to potential violations of regulations. The reasons remain undisclosed, but it may involve issues such as hosting illegal content or non-compliance with data storage laws. The fines were recently dropped, leaving a cloud of uncertainty around the situation. Telegram claims ignorance, emphasising its lack of assets or presence in Russia. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving story through reliable news sources.
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