The app had previously declined to sign up to any child protection schemes despite numerous calls to do so. However, the IWF, known for helping platforms identify and eliminate CSAM, welcomed Telegram's decision as a “transformational” move, though they cautioned that this is just the beginning of a challenging process.
With nearly 950 million users globally, Telegram has gained notoriety for its focus on privacy, often becoming a safe haven for criminal activities, including drug trafficking and cybercrime, leading to an expert describing it as "the dark web in your pocket." Following Durov's detention, which involved allegations of negligence in cooperating with authorities regarding serious criminal activities, Telegram has committed to revising its practices.
In its new approach, Telegram pledged to share IP addresses and phone numbers of rule violators with law enforcement upon valid requests, disable certain features prone to abuse, and provide transparency reports on content removal activities. Durov has also promised to transform moderation on Telegram into a more positively perceived aspect of the platform.
The IWF, possessing legal authority to search for and remove child abuse content, will aid Telegram in enhancing its systems and further combating CSAM. Although Telegram has claimed to have removed hundreds of thousands of such materials monthly prior to joining the IWF, this partnership aims to strengthen their capabilities further. While marketed as a secure messaging service, concerns about its encryption methods and data safety remain prevalent among users.
Telegram remains particularly popular in regions including Russia, Ukraine, and parts of the former Soviet Union, alongside Iran. As the platform strives to revamp its reputation in the wake of Durov's arrest, this collaboration with the IWF marks a pivotal step towards improved child safety measures.
With nearly 950 million users globally, Telegram has gained notoriety for its focus on privacy, often becoming a safe haven for criminal activities, including drug trafficking and cybercrime, leading to an expert describing it as "the dark web in your pocket." Following Durov's detention, which involved allegations of negligence in cooperating with authorities regarding serious criminal activities, Telegram has committed to revising its practices.
In its new approach, Telegram pledged to share IP addresses and phone numbers of rule violators with law enforcement upon valid requests, disable certain features prone to abuse, and provide transparency reports on content removal activities. Durov has also promised to transform moderation on Telegram into a more positively perceived aspect of the platform.
The IWF, possessing legal authority to search for and remove child abuse content, will aid Telegram in enhancing its systems and further combating CSAM. Although Telegram has claimed to have removed hundreds of thousands of such materials monthly prior to joining the IWF, this partnership aims to strengthen their capabilities further. While marketed as a secure messaging service, concerns about its encryption methods and data safety remain prevalent among users.
Telegram remains particularly popular in regions including Russia, Ukraine, and parts of the former Soviet Union, alongside Iran. As the platform strives to revamp its reputation in the wake of Durov's arrest, this collaboration with the IWF marks a pivotal step towards improved child safety measures.
