Russia Asks For Apple's Help To Block Telegram

Russia's communications watchdog informed on Monday that it had requested for help of Apple so as to block Telegram - a popular messaging app. The move comes after the app refused to give security services for accessing private conversations. The request ensues help to block the push notifications for the users of app so that they are not able to receive the alerts and to make the app non- downloadable in the country.

Alexander Zharov,  director of Roskomnadzor further added to the Russian news agency Interfax that Apple had one month to reply. They declined to add any further information on the course of action it could possibly take if the US firm didn't comply.Telegram was banned by a Moscow court last month after a long running battle between the app and the authorities. Telegram has a reputation for securely encrypted communication which clashes with Moscow trying to increasing its surveillance on Internet activities. The app was created by Pavel Durov, a Russian programmer and he has already rejected all the attempts by the country's services to receive any backdoor access to the app. The app has attracted a total of 200 million users since its launch in 2013 by Durov and his brother. After the court ruling, the security services have tried to block the functioning of the app but has only succeeded in reducing the operations by 15-30%.

By: Neha Maheshwari

Content: https://gadgets.ndtv.com/apps/news/russia-asks-apple-to-help-block-telegram-1859085