Can a messaging app become a battlefield? Russia seems to think so.
Moscow has charged Telegram founder Pavel Durov with facilitating terrorist activity.
It accuses his platform of being used by Ukrainian intelligence to recruit Russians for sabotage attacks.
The allegations centre on a Telegram chatbot called Daivinchik/Leo.
Russian authorities claim Ukrainian operatives used it to pose as young women and build trust with users.
They allegedly persuaded them to carry out attacks on infrastructure and law enforcement.
The FSB says 46 people aged between 12 and 22 have been arrested over the past year in connection with such plots. Ukraine has not commented on the claims.
Telegram responded in dramatic fashion, posting an image of Durov making an obscene gesture on X.
Meanwhile, Russian authorities say they are placing the Dubai-based billionaire on an international wanted list.
Tech, Privacy And Security Collide
The case comes after years of tension between Durov and the Kremlin.
Although Telegram has been heavily restricted inside Russia, the platform remains widely used.
Government agencies, military officials and influential bloggers continue to use it.
It is a crucial channel in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Durov, who denies any wrongdoing, insists Telegram meets its obligations to combat crime while protecting users’ privacy and free speech.
As digital platforms become central to modern conflicts, one question looms larger than ever.
Where does the line between technology, security and freedom truly lie?
