They cost pennies and tip your favorite creators. In Russia, sending Telegram “Stars” to the wrong channel is now being treated as treason.

In Russia, authorities are now treating the accidental sending of Telegram "Stars," small paid reactions that support content creators, to the wrong channel as a form of treason, according to the Tyuremny advokat channel. This marks the first instances where such cases are being considered under Article 275 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to high treason. The move reflects the Kremlin's tightening grip on digital communication and content, raising concerns about free expression and the potential for overreach in enforcing digital regulations.