Official: Telegram’s blocking means no ban on use

SOCHI, Oct 24 (PRIME) -- Russia’s persistent efforts to block Telegram do not mean a ban on its use, Deputy Digital Development Minister Alexei Volin told PRIME on Thursday.

“(Blocking) is going on, but it does not contradict its use. A decision to mute a technical service does not mean a ban on its use,” Volin said.

The official said it is legal to use Telegram in the country.

Media reported earlier that Dmitry Peskov, special representative of the president for digital and technological development, said the messenger is not forbidden for use in the country.

The communications service has been trying to block Telegram on a court decision after the messenger refused to share the decoding keys with the Federal Security Service.

End