MOSCOW, June 23 (RAPSI) – Head of Russia’s communications watchdog Roskomnadzor Alexander Zharov has requested the Telegram’s management, including one of the company’s founders Pavel Durov, to comply with the Russian legislation or face blocking of the messenger, Zharov’s statement reads on Friday.

Roskomnadzor demands Telegram to follow the rules set for organizers of information distribution. “There is only one requirement, and it is simple: fill out the questionnaire with information about Telegram’s managing company sent to you,” Zharov said. He added that the company also needs to officially ask the watchdog to enter this information in a special registry. The head of Roskomnadzor noted that Telegram’s legal status will not be affected.

Yet, according to Zharov, Telegram refuses to communicate with the watchdog and may be blocked in short time for its refusal to comply with the requirements.