Telegram announced some new changes and features to its iOS and Android apps on Monday, including an odd gift feature.

In a major escalation of internet censorship the internet and communication watchdog Roskomnadzor officially began restricting access to Telegram messenger in Russia on February 10, The Bell reported citing anecdotal evidence later confirmed to RBC business portal by the watchdog itself.

On Tuesday, Telegram founder Pavel Durov hit back at Russian authorities as Moscow tightens its grip on foreign apps. Russia Clamps Down On Telegram Over Privacy Russia's communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor,

Many users reported lagging and slow traffic when using Telegram this week after Russia’s communications watchdog said that the popular messaging app would face greater restrictions because it failed

It has been a chaotic few days for Pavel Durov, the CEO of Telegram, who was arrested as he landed at an airport outside Paris in his private jet over the weekend. Following Durov’s arrest on August 24, the Telegram executive was held in custody.

This transcript was prepared by a transcription service. This version may not be in its final form and may be updated. Zoe Thomas: Welcome to Tech News Briefing. It's Friday, September 13th. I'm Zoe Thomas for The Wall Street Journal. Hacked data, weapons ...

Russia's communications regulator Roskomnadzor said it would "continue to introduce phased restrictions" on Telegram over legal violations.View on euronews