Telegram has agreed to partner with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) to combat child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on its platform after years of resistance. This decision follows the arrest of Pavel Durov, Telegram’s founder, in August over allegations related to the platform’s moderation practices.
Telegram partners with IWF to combat child sexual abuse material
The IWF, recognized for its role in tackling CSAM, will provide Telegram with essential tools to detect and remove abusive material. This partnership grants Telegram access to the IWF’s methods for blocking links to known abusive content, along with AI-generated images and hashes of confirmed CSAM. The organization reported identifying thousands of instances of CSAM on Telegram since 2022.
Previously, Telegram has faced scrutiny for its moderation policies and had reportedly refused to cooperate with child protection initiatives. Its proactive stance on user privacy contributed to its reluctance to engage with organizations like the IWF. However, following Durov’s arrest in Paris, where he faced charges related to drug trafficking and child sexual content, Telegram announced significant changes to its operations.
Notably, the platform will now comply with legal requests by sharing customer IP addresses and phone numbers in response to valid investigations. The company also plans to disable features associated with bots and scams, such as the “people nearby” tool, and publish regular transparency reports on content takedown statistics, adopting practices it previously disregarded.
The partnership with the IWF marks a transformative shift for Telegram. Derek Ray-Hill, Interim CEO of the IWF, acknowledged the significance of this development, describing it as a vital first step in a longer journey toward improving the app’s content moderation. He emphasized that this collaboration will enable Telegram to utilize effective tools against CSAM dissemination on the platform.
Telegram’s user base consists of approximately 950 million people globally, and it has positioned itself as a secure messaging app, focusing on user privacy through end-to-end encryption. Nevertheless, the reality of its encryption practices has raised concerns, as most communications on the platform occur via standard encryption methods, allowing potential vulnerabilities.
The company’s approach to user privacy has attracted both attention and criticism. Allegations have emerged claiming that the platform has been used for promoting illegal activities, including drug sales and cybercrime. An expert remarked that Telegram resembles “the dark web in your pocket,” highlighting its challenges in regulating content effectively.
Durov’s legal troubles have underscored the ongoing scrutiny faced by Telegram, and the implications of these developments remain uncertain. As investigations continue, the platform’s commitment to enhancing its moderation processes will be closely monitored by both users and regulators.
Ongoing investigations and future actions
Telegram’s challenges are not over. Durov’s arrest and subsequent detention in France have raised questions regarding the platform’s oversight and accountability. Speculation surrounding the legal ramifications looms, as the founder faces serious charges, including possessing and distributing child sexual abuse materials.
Although Telegram claims to have removed hundreds of thousands of abusive materials monthly prior to joining the IWF, the partnership is expected to enhance its capabilities significantly. The platform has publicly asserted its commitment to turning content moderation from a criticized area into one of praise, emphasizing the need for improvement.
Featured image credit: Lana Codes/Unsplash
