Google IP banned in Russsia
Moscow, April 23: Russian telecom watchdog Roskomnadzor said on Sunday that it has banned a number of Google IP addresses that allow instant messaging service Telegram to escape blockage in Russia over user data disputes.
"Google failed to meet the requirements of Roskomnadzor and in violation of a court verdict continued to allow Telegram to use its IP addresses to carry out activities in Russia," Roskomnadzor said in a statement, Xinhua reported.
On Monday, Roskomnadzor began blocking Telegram in accordance with a court decision due to the messenger's refusal to provide encryption keys necessary to decode user data.
However, Telegram managed to bypass the blocking and continued its activities using IP addresses belonging to Google and other technology companies.
After the Russian watchdog later began to block the IPs as well, users lost connection to Telegram on Sunday.
The disputes over the ban go back to a long-term battle between Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) and Telegram.
The FSB has been demanding access to messages on Telegram on the suspicion that it was used to organize terrorist activities, including a deadly metro bomb attack in Russia's second-largest city of St. Petersburg last April.
Telegram, which is popular among Russian people and organizations including the Kremlin, refused to comply with the demand, citing privacy laws.
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By-election results strengthen our resolve to work for the people: CM Siddaramaiah
Bengaluru: The Congress party has emerged victorious in all three Assembly by-elections held in Karnataka. The party's candidates, C.P. Yogeshwar in Channapatna, Yasir Ahmad Khan Pathan in Shiggaon, and Annapurna Tukaram in Sandur, have won their respective seats.
Taking to social media platform 'X,' Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed gratitude to the voters of Channapatna, Shiggaon, and Sandur for supporting the Congress candidates. "I extend my heartfelt thanks to the voters for blessing our candidates in the Assembly by-elections. Congratulations to our newly elected representatives Yasir Ahmad Khan Pathan, Annapurna Tukaram, and C.P. Yogeshwar, who have achieved resounding victories and entered the Assembly," he stated.
He added, "This victory is a testament to overcoming the continuous propaganda and false allegations made by the opposition. I also take this moment to acknowledge the relentless efforts of our workers and leaders who contributed to this triumph. This success has further increased our government's responsibility and strengthened our resolve to work tirelessly for the people. Thank you once again to everyone," CM Siddaramaiah posted.
