Russia BANS Telegram messaging app favoured by ISIS after company refused to share encrypted data
The company argues that FSB, Russia’s main security agency, is violating consumer rights
A POPULAR Russian messaging app used by ISIS terrorists has been blocked by a court following demands by authorities to share its encryption data.
The ban is the result of a protracted row between Telegram and Russian officials, who insist they need access to encryption keys to investigate terror attacks.
The regulator sought to block the app after the firm refused to hand over encryption keys used to scramble messages.
Security officials say they need the information to monitor potential terrorist activity.
Telegram is a popular messaging app developed by Russian entrepreneur Pavel Durov.
The company argues the FSB, Russia’s main security agency, is violating consumer rights.
But authorities insist that the app has become the messenger of choice for "international terrorist organisations in Russia".
According to court documents, media regulator Roskomnadzor claims Telegram had failed to comply with its legal requirements as a "distributor of information".
However, Telegram's lawyer Pavel Chikov said attempts to stop the app being used in Russia are "groundless".
He said: "The FSB's requirements to provide access to private conversations of users are unconstitutional, baseless, which cannot be fulfilled technically and legally."
The Supreme Court last month threw out an appeal by Telegram against the requirement to provide the data.
At the time, Chikov said the company would not back down in the face of the Russian intelligence services, adding that the case against Telegram was politically motivated.
He said: "It is impossible to make any concessions or accept any agreements in this situation."
Dmitry Peskov, spokesman for President Vladimir Putin, whose team uses Telegram to arrange briefings for reporters, said it is not the Kremlin's place to comment on court rulings.
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The Telegram messaging app is widely by Russia authorities, and is extremely popular across the Middle East.
It now has more than 200million active users worldwide, with its encryption technology its greatest draw.
The app allows groups of up to 5,000 people to send messages, documents, videos and pictures for free and with complete encryption.
Telegram has been used by ISIS and its supporters, despite the company claiming to have closed down many pro-ISIS channels.
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