The BBC has uncovered shocking information about the messaging app Telegram, revealing that the platform has refused to participate in international programs aimed at detecting and removing child abuse material online. This revelation comes as the founder and CEO of Telegram, Pavel Durov, remains in custody in France over alleged offenses related to a lack of moderation on the platform.
Despite having over 950 million registered users, Telegram is not a member of crucial organizations such as the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) or the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), both of which work with most online platforms to identify, report, and eliminate child abuse material.
Officials have accused Durov of failing to cooperate with law enforcement on issues such as drug trafficking, child sexual content, and fraud. While Telegram has claimed that its moderation practices are up to industry standards and constantly improving, it has not joined programs like NCMEC’s CyberTipline, which has over 1,600 internet companies registered, including many non-U.S. based firms.
Despite repeated requests from NCMEC and IWF, Telegram has ignored calls to join efforts to combat child sexual abuse material. By not being part of these organizations, Telegram is unable to proactively remove or block confirmed CSAM, which is crucial in protecting vulnerable individuals.
Furthermore, Telegram is not involved in initiatives like the TakeItDown program, which targets revenge porn, or Transparency Reporting, where social networks publish lists of content taken down due to police requests. The platform’s lack of participation in these essential programs raises concerns about its commitment to child protection and accountability.
The BBC has reached out to Telegram for comment on its refusal to join child protection schemes, but the platform has previously stated that it is not responsible for the abuse that occurs on its platform. As the investigation into Telegram’s practices continues, questions remain about the platform’s role in combating online child exploitation and abuse.
