Telegram CEO Alleges Reliance Disrupts App Access Through BGP Hijacking, Impacting Users Beyond India
In a series of serious allegations, Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov has accused Indian telecom giant Reliance of using a controversial network technique to interfere with access to the messaging platform. According to Durov, the disruption is affecting millions of Telegram users not only in India but also in several other countries, including the United Arab Emirates.
Claims of Intentional Network Sabotage
Durov asserts that Reliance is employing a method known as Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) hijacking to block or degrade access to Telegram. He emphasized that this is not a technical glitch but rather a deliberate action, pointing out that multiple reports about the issue have allegedly gone unaddressed by the company.
BGP hijacking occurs when a network operator falsely announces ownership of IP addresses that belong to another entity, effectively rerouting internet traffic through its own infrastructure. This can lead to service interruptions, slower connections, or complete blocks for end users.
Connecting the Dots to Business Rivalry
The Telegram CEO linked the alleged interference to broader competitive dynamics in the messaging app market. He noted that Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, holds a stake in Reliance. Durov suggested that the reported disruptions could be part of a larger commercial struggle between Telegram and WhatsApp, though he did not provide independent technical evidence to support his claims.
In a post on his official social media account, Durov wrote: “Indian telecom Reliance is sabotaging access to Telegram for millions of users OUTSIDE India (including the UAE) via a rogue method called BGP hijacking. The sabotage seems intentional, as Reliance has ignored multiple reports. This may be part of a competitive war.”
Warning for Global Network Operators
Durov has also issued a caution to network operators worldwide. He advised them not to accept any unauthorized BGP announcements originating from Reliance’s autonomous system number, AS18101. According to him, following this guidance could help prevent route hijacking and ensure stable, uninterrupted internet connectivity for users.
He described the alleged misuse of the global internet routing system as deeply concerning, urging operators to remain vigilant against such practices.
Skepticism Over Telegram Ban Efforts
In the same statement, Durov expressed suspicion about recent attempts to push for a ban on Telegram in India. He hinted that similar business interests might be behind those efforts, though he again did not present direct evidence to back up the claim. His remarks suggest a growing distrust of how corporate competition might be influencing internet governance and access in the region.
No Official Response Yet
As of now, neither Reliance, Meta, nor WhatsApp has issued an official response to Durov’s allegations. Independent verification of the claims has not been possible, leaving the matter as a statement from the Telegram chief rather than a confirmed incident. The accusations have nonetheless sparked discussions about the integrity of internet routing and the potential for large telecom companies to influence digital competition.
What Is BGP Hijacking?
To understand the gravity of the allegation, it helps to know how BGP hijacking works:
- BGP is the protocol that directs internet traffic between different networks.
- When a network hijacks a route, it falsely advertises that it owns IP addresses it does not control.
- This can redirect traffic, allowing the hijacker to monitor, block, or degrade the service.
- Such attacks are often difficult to detect and can affect users far beyond the hijacker’s immediate region.
Durov’s claims highlight the vulnerability of the internet’s routing infrastructure and raise questions about the ethical responsibilities of major telecom operators. Whether the allegations hold up under scrutiny remains to be seen, but they have already drawn attention to the intersection of technology, business competition, and network governance.
