Russia Fines Telegram for Not Removing Banned Content Amid Service Restrictions

Russia has fined the Telegram messaging app 35 million roubles (approximately $432,000) for failing to remove banned content, according to Interfax. Authorities accuse Telegram of enabling illegal and extremist material, charges the app denies. Telegram claims Russia aims to restrict its services to promote a state-run app called MAX. The fine follows a Russian court ruling related to Telegram's refusal to remove anti-government content.