Telegram Blocks Russian Media Channels in Europe, Sparks Censorship Debate
Russian state-owned news channels are blocked on Telegram across several European countries like Poland, France, and Italy. EU authorities argue it’s to curb media manipulation and election interference by Russia. Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry calls it political censorship. Welcome to the digital age, where blocking is the new debating!

Hot Take:
In a plot twist that surprises absolutely no one, European countries have decided that Russian state-owned media on Telegram are about as welcome as a bear at a picnic. The move is being hailed as a win for keeping misinformation at bay, but it’s also giving the Kremlin a reason to break out the world’s smallest violin. Stay tuned as Russia plots its counterattack, probably involving an army of very irate social media bots.
Key Points:
- Telegram has blocked Russian state-owned news channels in multiple European countries.
- The blocked outlets include RIA Novosti, Rossiya 1, and Rossiyskaya Gazeta.
- Visitors to these channels see a message stating that the channels violated local laws.
- EU authorities argue these media outlets are tools for Russian disinformation campaigns.
- Russia labels the blocking as political censorship and threatens retaliatory measures.