This is not related to cultural differences. The government just wants to read what people write about and block information they don't like. And I assume they

This is not related to cultural differences. The government just wants to read what people write about and block information they don't like. And I assume they have difficulties spying on opposition activists which happen to use Telegram too. In Russia you can get prosecuted for reposting a meme on social network. Imagine how many "criminals" can be found if the police will be able to read private messages too.