top of page
Search
Writer's pictureJonathan Lou Reyes

Governments vs Telegram Extremism

Telegram, the widely used messaging app, has increasingly become a focal point for extremist activities, raising alarm among global governments. Originally designed as a platform for secure and unrestricted communication, particularly in nations with stringent regimes, Telegram’s lenient content moderation has allowed it to become a haven for spreading misinformation, hate speech, and criminal activities, contributing to the growing issue of telegram extremism.


What is Telegram and is It Really Secure?

Telegram functions similarly to WhatsApp, offering messaging, channels, and discussion groups that can attract millions of users. However, its approach to content moderation is far less stringent compared to major US-based platforms. While Telegram offers end-to-end encryption only in its "secret chats," its proprietary encryption methods make it difficult for security experts to independently verify its security measures.


A bar chart of Telegram's monthly Active User Growth
Telegram's monthly Active User Growth

Sources: Statista, Telegram 1, Telegram 2, DataReportal, TechCrunch, Financial Times


Why Does Telegram Attract Extremists?

The issue of telegram extremism is exacerbated by the platform’s lack of algorithmic content pushing, yet its features still facilitate the spread of hate speech and disinformation. Extremists use the platform to cross-post content across different channels, leading users to engage with increasingly radical material. The difficulty in tracking these activities, coupled with Telegram's refusal to cooperate with law enforcement, makes it a significant challenge for governments trying to prevent the spread of extremism and criminal activity.


A flow chart of Telegram's Premium Users vs Non-Premium Users
Telegram's Premium Users vs Non-Premium Users

Sources: Statista, Telegram 1, Telegram 2, DataReportal, TechCrunch, Financial Times


Origins of Telegram and How It Makes Money

Telegram was created by Pavel Durov and his brother Nikolai, who originally developed the Russian social network VKontakte. After fleeing Russia, Pavel established Telegram as a secure messaging platform, which has since gained widespread popularity. In 2022, Telegram introduced a subscription service, Telegram Premium, and a revenue-sharing system for content creators, though most of its funding still comes from its founders.


Telegram CEO Arrested Over Alleged Failure to Curb Crime on the App

Recently, Telegram's CEO, Pavel Durov, was detained in France over allegations that the platform failed to prevent criminal activities, including the distribution of child exploitation content. Detained at an airport near Paris, Durov is currently under investigation, which marks a significant legal challenge for Telegram. The company has defended its practices, asserting that it complies with European laws and should not be held responsible for misuse by its users. This case highlights the ongoing concerns surrounding telegram extremism and the platform’s role in facilitating illegal activities.


The rise of telegram extremism has led to growing concerns from governments worldwide. As Telegram continues to expand, the challenge of balancing privacy, free speech, and public safety will become increasingly complex for both the platform and its users.

留言


bottom of page