Telegram is in the process of opening a representative office in Russia, a move that would bring the messaging platform into compliance with Russian law. This development is currently under review.

The move comes as Telegram seeks to adhere to the “landing” law that requires foreign companies with a significant daily audience in Russia to establish a presence within the country.

According to an entry on the Roskomnadzor (RKN) website, the application to “Create a branch, or open a representative office, or establish a Russian legal entity” is in the approval stage. The timeline for the completion of this process remains unclear.

The law “On the Activities of Foreign Persons in the Information and Telecommunications Network ‘Internet’” mandates that foreign IT companies exceeding 500,000 daily users in Russia must establish a branch, representative office, or Russian legal entity. Additional requirements include registering a personal account on the Roskomnadzor website and providing an electronic feedback form.

Failure to comply with the law could result in penalties such as advertising bans, restrictions on accepting payments from Russian entities, and ultimately, the blocking of the resource within Russia. Telegram has faced the threat of such a ban in the past.

German Klimenko, Chairman of the Council of the Digital Economy Development Fund, suggests that even with compliance, Telegram’s position in Russia remains uncertain. He notes potential pressure from officials to use a national messenger and concerns about the content of certain Telegram channels. Klimenko anticipates discussions between Pavel Durov and Russian authorities.