In This Article
- Underlying Security Concerns in Dagestan
- Yuri Gamzatov About Telegram Blocking in Dagestan
- How does AI help to Make the Apps Secure?
- Telegram Response on Dagestan Situation
In early March 2025, the Russian region of Dagestan blocked the Telegram messaging app in the region. Not only in Dagestan, but another region named Chechnya has also been using the same measure. According to the authorities, this step is taken while keeping security considerations in mind. There are some potential risks of misusing the adversaries.
Both regions, Dagestan and Chechnya, are the main areas of the Muslim communities in southern Russia, and here, the intelligence services report an increase in militant Islamic activities. This move is echoing the same actions in other regions as well on a different level to maintain the balance between the freedom of information and enhance the security measures to handle the regional instability.
Underlying Security Concerns in Dagestan
Blocking any social media app in the region is not a new step to consider in security measures. Dagestan stems from the regional security challenges; therefore, multiple steps have been taken to maintain stability. The reason why Dagestan is most highlighted is its geographical position, making it a critical piece of land. Just like many other regions in the North Caucasus, Dagestan has grappled with security threats and alerts in the past. It has been one of the central regions for extremism and separatist movements.
The higher authorities have shared their concerns about the Telegram service blockage. The platform, having features like encrypted message services, large group formation, and easy access to contacts, can be used in suspicious activities by individuals and organizations; therefore, the step is taken to maintain the security positions.
The decentralized nature of the Telegram messenger app makes it complex for the authorities to intercept and get the record of the communication when required. Although these are the positive aspects of the app for the users, in sensitive regions like Dagestan, such apps can be used to destroy peace.
Yuri Gamzatov About Telegram Blocking in Dagestan
Dagestan’s digital development minister, Yuri Gamzatov, has discussed his concerns about the Telegram app. He highlighted that Telegram has been used by hostile entities in the past that caused security issues in the region. In October 2023, the communication was done on the Telegram app during the anti-Israel riot at Makhachkala Airport. It was a sad incident when hundreds of protestors flooded the airport to attack the Israeli passengers. About the incident, the minister says:
It (Telegram) is often used by enemies, an example of which is the riots at the Makhachkala airport
The passengers were coming from the Jewish state, and luckily, no passenger was hurt, but several people were prosecuted by the security to understand the depth of the incident. To control the situation, Tleegram was instructed to block the channel through which the communication was carried out. However, Telegram has not responded immediately, and this has added to the difficulty of controlling the situation.
How does AI help to Make the Apps Secure?
In the current era, apps and websites are made secure and smooth through the use of the latest technologies like artificial intelligence that automate the tasks and maintain the functionality. AI is helping in the threat detection, and prevention within the apps. It detects the real-time behavior of the users and can identify suspicious activities along with cyber attacks.
Similarly, the financial apps have a lot of risk of fraud; therefore, the machine learning algorithms can help in monitoring the transaction patterns and block the unauthorized transactions.
In apps like Telegram, AI can be applied for message un-encryption through dynamic control of security protocols. Companies like Weborik Hub can add advanced features to the apps at different levels to maintain security and enhance the features.
Telegram Response on Dagestan Situation
Now, the users are interested to know if Telegram has responded about the situation. Gamzatov indicated that the blockage is not permanent, but in the future, the Telegram app may be efficient in these critical regions. The reason is that it is one of the most popular messenger apps around the world, with more than one billion users. Telegram has not provided any statement on the current situation that may be the company’s strategy or rules.
