Telegram's Pavel Durov Faces Accusations Amid Russia's Efforts to Control Messaging App

Pavel Durov, the billionaire founder of the popular Telegram messaging app, revealed he has been summoned by Russian authorities as a 'suspect' in a criminal case. The summons, addressed to an old residence, highlights Russia's ongoing attempts to reduce Telegram's influence within its borders.

In February, Russian state media announced an investigation involving Durov tied to accusations of terrorism. The move coincides with Russia's push to decrease reliance on the app, which boasts more than one billion users globally, in favor of promoting a government-supported alternative, MAX.

Telegram has consistently denied allegations by Russian authorities of facilitating criminal activities and being compromised by Western and Ukrainian intelligence. The official Russian newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta cited materials from Russia's Federal Security Service labeling Telegram a 'tool for hybrid threats'.

(With inputs from agencies.)