Telegram remains key channel for Russian propaganda in the EU, despite restrictions

Despite the European Union's efforts to curb Russian propaganda, Telegram continues to remain one of the main platforms for the distribution of Kremlin-sponsored information manipulation and interference (FIMI).

A study by the Center for Democracy and the Rule of Law shows that, even after the restrictions imposed by Telegram in December 2024 on Russian sources sanctioned in the EU, Russian propaganda has found numerous ways to circumvent these measures.

According to the report, the persistence of Russian information influence in the EU relies on two main factors: the high adaptability of Russian actors and the technical and regulatory gaps of the Telegram platform itself. These factors have transformed Telegram into a relatively uncontrolled space for the spread of Kremlin narratives.

The study highlights that Russian state-affiliated actors have developed sophisticated tactics to circumvent bans, including the creation of alternative or “unofficial” channels, the use of new names and identities, and the duplication of content through parallel networks. In some cases, sanctioned channels operate under different visual guises but function de facto as extensions of the original propaganda sources.

The report also highlights that Russian propaganda is spread through a vast global network, including Russian embassies, well-known propagandists, international pro-Russian networks, and local actors in various European countries. The diplomatic status of Russian embassies makes these channels particularly difficult to block, becoming direct substitutes for sanctioned media outlets such as RT and Sputnik.

Another concern raised by researchers is the use of the Telegra.ph service, developed by Telegram itself, which allows anonymous publication of articles and is used to distribute banned content without passing through the usual control filters. Also, the message forwarding function means that even blocked channels continue to have influence, as their content is easily distributed to other channels.

The report warns of a new phase of the Russian strategy, where in addition to Telegram, propaganda actors are encouraging users to migrate to the new Russian platform "Max", launched by the VK company in 2025. This is seen as an attempt to preempt possible future restrictions and maintain influence over foreign audiences, especially Russian-speaking ones.

According to the analysis, Telegram’s unclear regulatory status in the EU exacerbates the problem. The platform has not yet been classified as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) under the Digital Services Act (DSA), which exempts it from stricter transparency and accountability obligations. This creates a loophole that experts say is directly exploited by malicious actors.

The Center for Democracy and the Rule of Law believes that the threat posed by Russian FIMI cannot be neutralized by isolated platform measures alone. It calls for a broader EU approach that includes strengthening regulation, increasing the accountability of digital platforms, and investing in media education for citizens.

According to the report, only a coordinated strategy that simultaneously addresses the creation, distribution and consumption of disinformation content can strengthen the European Union's information and digital resilience to Russian influence. Eudisinfo.

The Geo Post