The Telegram controversy: What you could know

The rise to prominence of Telegram during the last decade has come at a worth for the favored messaging app. It’s praised for its privateness and freedom whereas being criticized for the darkish undercurrents it harbors in equal measure. To grasp how the Telegram controversy got here to a head with the arrest of its founder in Paris final month, it’s vital to know the way it turned so ubiquitous within the first place.

Some argue that Telegram has been a sufferer of its success. True or not, the app’s unbelievable surge to mainstream adoption definitely can’t be disputed. It’s now the fourth hottest messaging app on the planet, with 900 million lively month-to-month customers worldwide.

Based in 2013 by Russian-born entrepreneur Pavel Durov, Telegram was created as a safe messaging platform in response to growing authorities scrutiny in Durov’s native Russia. Durov, who beforehand based the Russian social media web site VKontakte (VK), envisioned Telegram as a software that may prioritize consumer privateness and freedom of speech, providing end-to-end encryption and a dedication to withstand authorities censorship.

Telegram’s success and controversy will be attributed to a number of key options that set it other than different messaging apps. Its robust encryption and emphasis on privateness rapidly gained the belief of customers involved about their knowledge safety. The app’s availability throughout a number of platforms, together with cell units and desktops, made it accessible to a worldwide viewers. Telegram’s help for big group chats and channels — now with as much as 200,000 members in every one — allowed communities to kind and thrive, particularly in areas the place free speech is suppressed.

Different components expanded its performance and enchantment, such because the platform’s open API, which inspired builders to create bots and companies. These parts mixed to propel Telegram into widespread use, significantly amongst these searching for a substitute for extra regulated platforms like WhatsApp or Fb. It acts as a flagbearer for the fitting to freedom of speech, however this proper shouldn’t be at all times exercised virtuously by customers.

Even earlier than the current authorized points for its founder, Telegram was no stranger to controversy. The identical parts of the app that make it well-liked additionally domesticate a major darkish aspect. The privateness options which were a boon for customers searching for safe communication have additionally made the platform a magnet for unlawful actions, whereas the app’s dedication to minimal content material moderation has attracted a spread of malicious actors.

Terrorist organizations have utilized Telegram to unfold propaganda, recruit members, and coordinate assaults. The app’s encrypted communication and huge group capabilities present a great setting for these actions.

Cybercriminals have additionally discovered a haven in Telegram, utilizing it as a hub for unlawful transactions, together with drug trafficking, the sale of counterfeit items, and even human trafficking. The anonymity of Telegram’s channels and personal teams makes it tough for authorities to hint these actions. Illicit actions that after befell on the darkish internet — requiring a particular browser, a VPN, and different instruments — now happen on an app that anybody can obtain to their telephone.

Telegram’s hands-off method to content material moderation has led to the unchecked unfold of misinformation, conspiracy theories, and hate speech. This lack of oversight has allowed dangerous narratives to flourish, however Telegram’s reputation amongst political dissidents in authoritarian regimes highlights the platform’s dual-edged nature. Whereas social networks like Fb make use of tens of hundreds of content material moderators worldwide, the whole Telegram operation is fewer than 60 individuals.

To Durov, the method to content material moderation is a characteristic, not a bug. Telegram additionally constructed a fame for refusing or ignoring requests from regulation enforcement companies for help of their investigations. Such was Telegram’s protecting stance in the direction of its members that many authorities gave up on making the requests.

In August 2024, Pavel Durov was arrested in France, marking a major second within the historical past of the Telegram controversy and accountability for on-line content material generally. The arrest was a part of a broader investigation into prison actions carried out through the platform, together with the unfold of kid sexual abuse materials, fraud, and drug trafficking. French authorities cited Telegram’s “virtually whole lack of response” to regulation enforcement requests as a key issue within the arrest.

In different phrases, the authorities have accused Durov of complicity by permitting such actions to happen on the platform after which failing to help regulation enforcement in pursuing them.

Durov, who has lengthy championed privateness over authorities calls for, responded by defending Telegram’s method. He argued that it’s unfair to carry him personally accountable for the actions of the platform’s customers, emphasizing that the app was designed to guard free speech and privateness. He additionally hinted at upcoming adjustments aimed toward addressing the abuse of Telegram, signaling a possible shift in how the platform is managed.

This arrest has sparked a worldwide debate concerning the steadiness between privateness and safety, with many viewing Durov as a martyr totally free speech, whereas others see it as a vital step towards regulating on-line areas that harbor criminal activity. The hashtag #FreePavel rapidly gained traction on social media, with figures like Elon Musk and Edward Snowden expressing help for Durov.

The arrest of Durov may result in important adjustments for Telegram. As authorized and regulatory pressures mount, the platform could also be pressured to rethink its method to content material moderation and cooperation with regulation enforcement.

Following Durov’s arrest, Telegram has already agreed to share consumer knowledge with regulation enforcement companies below sure situations. It has introduced that it’s going to now share the IP addresses and telephone numbers of customers who violate its guidelines when it receives legitimate authorized requests from authorities. This transformation is a major departure from the platform’s earlier practices and is probably going aimed toward pacifying prosecutors and regulatory our bodies, significantly in Europe.

This wasn’t the one growth over the previous month. Whereas Telegram had reporting instruments earlier than, they have been solely used for public-facing content material, like bots, stickers, or channels. It has now quietly prolonged this coverage, with the Telegram FAQs making clear that customers now have the instruments to report unlawful content material anyplace on the app.

The way forward for Telegram is unsure, however the arrest of its founder and the encompassing controversy underscores the advanced challenges going through these platforms. It stays to be seen if Telegram can proceed to be a haven totally free speech or whether or not it is going to be pressured to compromise on its core rules even additional.

Durov’s destiny is equally unclear — no messaging app founder has ever been held criminally accountable for the content material posted on the platform. There have been many civil fits, and Mark Zuckerberg was referred to as to testify earlier than Congress, however Durov’s scenario is unprecedented. What occurs with each Telgram and Durov may have far-reaching implications, and the entire trade will likely be watching.