Human Rights Watch and Internet Without Borders criticized the blocking of Telegram in Russia

Human rights activists from Human Rights Watch and the French association “Internet Without Borders” criticized the decision of the Tagansky District Court, which upheld the claim to block Telegram in Russia.

“It is unfair that Telegram is now being punished for upholding the right to privacy of its users. As individuals increasingly come under pressure from authorities who violate this right, Telegram needs our support during this difficult period,” said Internet Without Borders Executive Director Julie Owono.

called Human Rights Watch Telegram blocking the part of a “full-scale attack” on privacy and freedom of expression online.

Earlier, the blocking of the messenger was also criticized by the American PEN Center, which called the court decision “a far-reaching attack on freedom of speech in a country where the application is the most important tool for receiving news and personal communication.”

“The authorities have no right to demand indiscriminate access to private messages of individuals and punish Telegram for protecting the data of its users, as well as demonstrate blatant disrespect for the many Russians who choose Telegram for communication. Russian authorities should refrain from blocking Telegram and allow the appeal process not to be interfered with,” said Suzanne Nossel, executive director of PEN America.

On April 13, the Tagansky District Court granted the claim of Roskomnadzor demanding to block Telegram in Russia after the messenger refused to provide the FSB with the keys to decrypt user messages. According to an Interfax source familiar with Roskomnadzor’s decision, providers will begin blocking Telegram on April 16.

founder Telegram Pavel Durov promised that the messenger will use built-in methods for bypassing blocking that do not require action from users.