Is advertising on Telegram banned in Russia in 2026?
In March 2026 Russia's competition authority (FAS) said that advertising on Telegram breaks the advertising law, and three weeks later announced a transition period. Here is what the law and the FAS actually say, with dates and links to the sources. This is a summary of public sources, not legal advice.
In short. Since September 1, 2025, Russia's advertising law (part 10.7 of article 5 of Federal Law No. 38-FZ) prohibits advertising on information resources whose access is restricted under Russian law. In March 2026 the FAS said this applies to Telegram and YouTube, and on March 25 it announced a transition period until the end of 2026, during which liability for advertising on Telegram and YouTube will not be applied. The transition period does not cover Instagram, Facebook or VPN services. The position may change — follow the FAS website. This is not legal advice.
What the law says
Part 10.7 of article 5 bans advertising on resources of organizations recognized as undesirable, extremist or terrorist, and «on other information resources access to which is restricted» under Russian information law. It was added by Federal Law No. 72-FZ of April 7, 2025 and applies from September 1, 2025. Fines under part 1 of article 14.3 of the Russian Code of Administrative Offences: 2,000–2,500 ₽ for individuals, 4,000–20,000 ₽ for officials, 100,000–500,000 ₽ for companies. Texts (in Russian): advertising law, article 5, Code of Administrative Offences, article 14.3.
Timeline
| Date | What happened | Source |
|---|---|---|
| March 5, 2026 | The FAS said that advertising on Telegram and YouTube violates part 10.7 of article 5 | Vedomosti |
| March 10, 2026 | The FAS clarified: the ban applies when Roskomnadzor restricts access to a resource; both the advertiser and the ad distributor are liable | Vedomosti |
| March 25, 2026 | The FAS announced a transition period until the end of 2026, with no liability for advertising on Telegram and YouTube | FAS, Interfax |
What the FAS said on March 25, 2026
- Why: businesses «need time to adapt to the new rules».
- How long: until the end of 2026.
- What it will look at: the content of the ad, the contract date, the date restrictions were introduced, the publication date and the grounds for placement, including contracts and payment documents.
- What it does not cover: monitoring of advertising on Instagram, Facebook and VPN services continues.
The statement does not say what happens after the transition period.
Ad labelling (erid)
Labelling of online advertising in Russia is a separate rule — article 18.1 of the advertising law. MGRAM does not require an erid; if the law of your audience's country requires one, add it to the post. Every MGRAM post is moderated and must follow the platform rules, Telegram's rules and the law — see Advertising rules.
This is not legal advice. We summarize public sources as of the update date. The rules and the FAS position may change — ask a lawyer about your case.