Will Telegram be blocked in Russia starting April 1? How can migrants stay in touch with their relatives?

Russia continues to tighten its control over internet resources and messaging apps, creating difficulties for migrants. WhatsApp and YouTube have been completely blocked since mid-February, and now Telegram is next.

How can migrants stay in touch with their loved ones?

There are several options.

Using a VPN

WhatsApp and Telegram remain important tools for migrants, but since they were blocked in Russia, the only way to use these messaging apps is with a VPN. With a VPN, you can connect to a server in another country and bypass the block, but it is important to remember that WhatsApp and Telegram require a paid VPN service to work properly with a VPN.

Free VPNs are often unreliable: they can drop connections, degrade call quality, and provide poor stability, especially during video calls.

VK (VKontakte)

VK is not blocked in Russia and can be used to communicate with loved ones, including voice and video calls. The app works reliably without the need for a VPN, making it a convenient tool for migrants who need to maintain reliable contact with their families.

VK not only offers messaging, but also integration with other services, such as videos, music, and news. However, it is worth remembering that in rare cases, network outages can occur, which can affect the quality of video calls.

IMO

IMO is another app that continues to work without a VPN. It also supports voice and video calls in good quality. IMO is a convenient option for migrants, as it does not require bypassing blocks and allows you to communicate without additional technical settings.

However, it is worth noting that IMO is not as popular as WhatsApp and Telegram, and it has a smaller audience. Users who have not previously downloaded the app may also have difficulty installing it, as it is not always available in their usual app stores.

MAX

The Russian messenger MAX is also an alternative for communication. A VPN is not required to use this messenger, which makes it a convenient and reliable option for those who want to avoid blocking and technical problems. MAX supports text messages, voice and video calls, as well as file sharing.

Previously, MAX only supported Russian and Belarusian numbers, but since March 5, it is now available for SIM cards from other countries, including Tajikistan.