Telegram, ‘Milbloggers’ and the Russian State

Abstract

Replacing banned American social-media applications and boasting encryption and other privacy protections, Telegram has become the social media of choice in Russia since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Its popularity and the growth of a new community of amateur military correspondents (‘milbloggers’) communicating directly with users have made Telegram an increasingly important part of the war effort and the political narrative of the war. Criticism of the Russian military and the Ministry of Defence has become commonplace on the social-media platform, increasingly affecting narratives discussed on Russian television. The lack of a cohesive government strategy with respect to Telegram has led to an uncoordinated approach, with some officials trying to censor Telegram and others – including Russian President Vladimir Putin – seeking to co-opt milbloggers by integrating them into mainstream discourse. As the war drags on, however, the government is exercising increasing control over the platform, which will impact the reach and content of milbloggers, dissidents and other users.