Telegram founder: Apple blocks App Store updates due to Russian ban

Apple would block updates to the Telegram app worldwide because of the block that Russia wants to implement on the chat app. That is what Telegram founder Pavel Durov claims. Apple has not yet commented on the matter.

Durov claims that Apple is trying worldwide to prevent Telegram from distributing updates via the App Store because of the blockade in Russia. A Russian court ruled last month that companies must block Telegram until it hands over its encryption keys to the FSB intelligence agency. That blockade should only apply in Russia and not worldwide. This week, the Russian regulator demanded an answer from Apple about how it would comply with the court ruling.

Durov says Apple has sided with the Russian government and judiciary in this conflict. It is unknown whether this is the case. Apple has always publicly championed the protection of privacy and the value of encryption in chat apps.

Due to the blockade, Telegram has not been able to roll out the update that would make it GDPR compliant, Durov says. He says he will continue to work to resolve the situation. Apple has not yet commented on the matter.