Google shares open a little higher as Russia Telegram app ban affects Google access

Google shares opened a little higher in the US Monday, amid the escalation in the Russian Telegram app ban, which has now resulted in limited access to some Google pages for Russian users.

Google has confirmed the problem while Russian regulator Roskomnadzor said Google has failed to fully comply with its ruling decision on Telegram.

By 1440 BST, Google shares were 0.10% higher at $1,078.44, shortly after the US Monday morning market open.

Some Google services limited in Russia

According to TechCrunch, Google confirmed to the publication that it is aware some of its services are currently unavailable to some users in Russia.

“We are aware of reports that some users in Russia are unable to access some Google products, and are investigating those reports,” Google said to TechCrunch in an emailed response to queries on the matter,

Meanwhile, Roskomnadzor said in a Facebook message Sunday, that Google had failed to meet the requirements regarding the regulators ban of the Telegram app. That action has resulted in a number of Google IP addresses being added to Russia’s firewall.

Russia’s Telegram ban

Russia has chosen to ban the Telegram app after the firm who created and runs it failed to provide the Russian Federal Security Services with encryption keys to access the app with regards to a terrorist investigation.

Telegram said it doesn’t have access to the encryption keys. That response has resulted in a ban by the Russian regulator. A ban that will remain in place until the app provides the FSS with the keys it has requested.

The Telegram app has been in use since 2013 and is run from Berlin. Founder, Pavel Durov claims the company hasn’t shared any user data at all since it began operating.

“Threats to block Telegram unless it gives up private data of its users won't bear fruit. Telegram will stand for freedom and privacy,” Pavel tweeted in March as the row unfolded.