Russian authorities have decided to ease the blocking of Telegram. Forbes reports this, citing a source familiar with the discussion.
According to the source, such a step could help reduce public tension amid tax changes, rising prices, and communication problems.
Earlier, Bloomberg, citing sources, wrote that the Kremlin may reconsider its position on internet blockages in Russia because of concerns that these measures are negatively affecting Vladimir Putin’s rating.
As the publication notes, several days ago a number of senior Russian officials warned the Kremlin about the political and economic risks associated with blocking the internet. In their view, such a response could lead to a weakening of repression and the end of Telegram blocking in Russia.
Last week, the state analytical center VTsIOM reported that Putin’s rating among Russians had fallen to 67.8%. This is the lowest figure since the start of the war in Ukraine.
Bloomberg emphasizes that this creates problems for the Kremlin ahead of the State Duma elections. In addition, journalists note that this fact refutes statements by the Russian authorities about citizens’ unity with Putin during the war against Ukraine.
At the same time, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said today that most citizens “understand the expediency and necessity” of internet blockages in Russia. According to him, these measures will be lifted after the “need for their adoption disappears”.