The arrest of Telegram’s billionaire chief executive in France has sparked a debate about moderation on the app, with concerns raised about the proliferation of illegal activities on the platform. A recent investigation revealed that Telegram has become a hub for criminal activities, with numerous channels dedicated to selling drugs, stolen credit cards, and other illicit goods.
The story began when a news writer found themselves added to multiple Telegram channels focused on selling drugs, hacking, and stolen credit cards. Despite changing their settings to prevent further additions, they were bombarded with messages from dozens of illegal groups. The arrest of Telegram’s CEO, Pavel Durov, in France has brought to light the platform’s alleged complicity in allowing illicit transactions, drug trafficking, fraud, and the spread of child sexual abuse images.
The writer’s experiment shed light on the dark side of Telegram, with channels offering a wide range of illegal goods and services, from stolen credit cards to drugs and hacking tutorials. The platform has been described as “the dark web in your pocket” by some, highlighting the ease with which criminals can operate on the app.
Concerns have also been raised about Telegram’s approach to policing illegal content, particularly when it comes to child sexual abuse material. While the platform claims to proactively search for illegal activity, critics argue that it is not doing enough to prevent the spread of such harmful content. The lack of cooperation with law enforcement and the platform’s privacy features have further complicated efforts to combat criminal activities on Telegram.
Despite the criticisms, there are voices defending Telegram’s commitment to freedom of speech, with some arguing that the arrest of Mr. Durov could have implications for online privacy and free expression. Digital rights organizations have expressed concern about the potential impact of the arrest on online freedoms, warning against over-censorship and the shrinking of civic spaces.
As the debate continues, the future of Telegram and its role in combating illegal activities remains uncertain. With pressure mounting on the platform to improve its moderation practices and cooperate with law enforcement, the story of Telegram’s dark side is far from over.
