Russia asks Apple to ban messaging app Telegram

Russia is asking Apple to remove Telegram from its app store after the messaging app refused requests to give the government backdoor access to its platform.

{mosads}Russia had tried to ban Telegram earlier this year but is reportedly having a difficult time completely blocking the app within its borders.

The Russian government’s watchdog, Roskomnadzor, on Tuesday, instead, asked Apple to boot the app from its Russian store, according to Wccftech.

“In order to avoid possible action by Roskomnadzor for violations of the functioning of the above-mentioned Apple Inc. service, we ask you to inform us as soon as possible about your company’s further actions to resolve the problematic issue,” the Russian regulator wrote.

Roskomnadzor said it wants Apple to pull Telegram within the month. It did not specify what action it would take if Apple didn’t comply.

Telegram’s tight encryption and refusal to grant authorities access has frustrated authoritarian governments. Russia is one of several countries trying to block the use of Telegram, including Iran, China and Saudi Arabia.