Why Russians now prefer KakaoTalk over Telegram

KakaoTalk logoTightening security and an escalating internet crackdown are costing Telegram its Russian users, who are now turning to Korean messaging app KakaoTalk.This chart generated by artificial intelligence shows the sharp increase of KakaoTalk active users in Russia. As Russian authorities restrict Telegram and mandate state-approved alternatives such as Max, users are seeking refuge in foreign platforms. Russian daily newspaper Kommersant on April 13 reported that KakaoTalk's active Russian users reached 436,400 in March, an 82 percent surge from the previous month. This figure represents 8.7 percent of KakaoTalk’s global overseas monthly active users as of the fourth quarter of 2025.The shift occurs as Telegram’s security protocols face critical vulnerabilities.

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