GrapheneOS user’s ‘duress code’ case raises data privacy concerns

Russian authorities have announced that they are seeking the arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov, accusing him of allowing the messaging platform to be used for activities linked to terrorism. The move marks the latest escalation in Moscow’s long running dispute with the tech entrepreneur, who has repeatedly clashed with Russian officials over internet freedom and user privacy. Russia’s Federal Security Service, known as the FSB, said it had launched international search proceedings against Durov, alleging that Telegram was being used by Ukraine’s security services to recruit Russian citizens for sabotage and other attacks. The agency claimed that Durov failed to remove a dating bot that it says played a central role in these recruitment efforts. According to the FSB, an international wanted notice has been issued for Durov, who serves as Telegram’s chief executive. However, Russian authorities did not clarify the type of notice issued or whether foreign governments or international law enforcement agencies would recognise or act on the request. Durov’s legal representatives declined to comment on the allegations, while Telegram said the company would not make any public statement at this stage. The FSB alleged that a bot known as Leo Match Bot, which is banned in Russia, was used by individuals posing as young women to contact Russian teenagers and young adults. Authorities claimed these fake identities were created by Ukrainian intelligence agents to persuade users to attack police officers and carry out acts of sabotage against transport and energy infrastructure. Russian officials said that since July 2025, 46 people between the ages of 12 and 22 have been arrested in connection with attacks allegedly organised through the messaging bot. Ukraine has not publicly responded to these specific accusations. Since the beginning of the war, both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of using online platforms and social media to recruit supporters and gather intelligence. The internet has become an increasingly important part of the conflict, with governments closely monitoring digital communication and online activity. Durov, who was born in Saint Petersburg, left Russia years ago and now holds French and United Arab Emirates citizenship. He first gained prominence after creating VKontakte, Russia’s largest social networking platform, before losing control of the company as government pressure increased. He later founded Telegram, which has grown into one of the world’s most widely used encrypted messaging services. Telegram has remained especially popular in Russia despite repeated attempts by the government to restrict access to the platform. Officials have long criticised the company for refusing to provide user data and have encouraged citizens to use state backed communication services instead. Durov also faced legal challenges in France last year, when he was arrested as part of an investigation into the distribution of illegal content through Telegram. He was later released on bail, and French authorities eventually lifted restrictions on his travel, allowing him to leave the country. The latest action by Russia comes as state controlled social media company VK continues promoting its government backed messaging application Max as an alternative to Telegram and WhatsApp. Russian authorities have increasingly supported domestic digital platforms as part of broader efforts to strengthen control over online communications. The announcement adds another chapter to the long standing conflict between the Russian government and Durov, whose commitment to encrypted communication and user privacy has repeatedly placed him at odds with Moscow’s efforts to regulate internet platforms. The outcome of Russia’s international arrest request remains uncertain, particularly given Durov’s residence outside the country and his foreign citizenship.

Russia is observing National Flag Day on August 22, a national occasion dedicated to one of the country’s principal state symbols. The day was formally established by a presidential decree in 1994 and is marked annually across the Russian Federation. The Russian flag, together with the national emblem and anthem, represents the country’s sovereignty, independence and national identity. Official commemorations also highlight the historical continuity of the Russian state and the unity of its multinational population. The tricolour has a history stretching back more than three centuries. Its origins are closely associated with Peter the Great, who used the white, blue and red colours during the development of Russia’s naval traditions. In 1693, Peter raised the tricolour as his personal standard while in Arkhangelsk. Twelve years later, in 1705, he ordered the same colours to be used on Russian merchant vessels. Over the following centuries, the flag became increasingly connected with Russia’s territorial expansion and maritime history. Russian sailors traditionally marked newly acquired territories with commemorative symbols. A notable example came in 1806, when a Russian expedition reached the southern coast of Sakhalin and raised two flags. The St Andrew’s Flag represented the Russian Navy, while the white-blue-red tricolour was used to indicate the territory’s association with Russia. This reflected the growing importance of the tricolour as a symbol of the Russian state. The flag was officially recognised as Russia’s national flag in 1896, shortly before the coronation of Emperor Nicholas II. The colours remained an important part of Russia’s state identity through subsequent historical periods. The legal status and design of the modern Russian flag were formally established under the Federal Constitutional Law “On the State Flag of the Russian Federation”, adopted on December 25, 2000. Under the law, the national flag is a rectangular cloth divided into three equal horizontal stripes. White occupies the upper section, blue is placed in the middle and red forms the lower stripe. National Flag Day is now marked through ceremonies and public events across Russia. Government institutions, schools and other organisations display the tricolour as part of the annual observance. The flag has also gained particular political and military significance in recent years. Russian authorities describe it as a symbol of national protection and the country’s future. In areas under Russian control during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russian servicemen have raised the tricolour over settlements that Moscow describes as having been “liberated.” Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly linked the national flag with the country’s historical identity and national unity. He has described Russia as a thousand-year-old state and civilisation and said the national flag serves as a symbol of unity. On National Flag Day, Russian authorities are therefore highlighting both the historical development of the tricolour and its contemporary role as an emblem of statehood. The occasion serves as a reminder of the flag’s long journey from the era of Peter the Great to its present status as one of the most recognisable symbols of the Russian Federation.

BERLIN, July 26: German authorities have launched a major investigation after a vehicle drove into a crowd near a Pride event in Berlin, killing one person and injuring 16 others. The incident took place late Saturday night in the Tiergarten area, close to Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate. The location was near the route of Christopher Street Day, one of Europe’s largest annual LGBTQ Pride celebrations. Emergency services said eight people were seriously injured. Three of them were in critical condition. Police have identified a man they describe as being known to authorities and linked to the Islamist scene. They released his photograph and appealed to the public for information about his whereabouts. Authorities said the suspect was believed to be around 1.90 metres tall, slim and had black hair. He was reportedly last seen wearing a black hooded top and white trousers. Police have not yet established whether the suspect acted alone. Investigators are also examining reports that more than one person may have left the vehicle after it stopped. Some of those injured reportedly suffered stab wounds, adding another element to the investigation. The vehicle eventually came to a stop after striking a tree in the Tiergarten. Police later found it empty and began searching for the person or people believed to have been involved. The remaining Christopher Street Day activities were cancelled following the attack. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt condemned the incident as a cowardly attack on people who had been peacefully celebrating. He said authorities would work to establish what happened and identify those responsible. Officials have not yet provided a clear motive for the attack. Several details also remain under investigation, including the exact sequence of events and whether more than one person was involved. The incident has also placed additional pressure on Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s coalition government. The attack comes ahead of important state elections and amid a heated political debate over immigration, public security and extremism. Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany party quickly reacted to the incident. Its leaders called for stronger action against religious extremism and warned against violence and intolerance. Authorities are continuing their search for the suspect. Police have urged anyone with relevant information to contact them as the investigation continues.