technology
UK Regulator Ofcom Investigates Telegram for Potential Failures in Preventing Child Sexual Abuse Material
The UK media regulator Ofcom has initiated an investigation into the messaging app Telegram due to evidence suggesting the presence and sharing of child sexual abuse material on the platform. Telegram denied the accusations and stated it has measures in place to address such content. The probe is part of broader enforcement under the UK's Online Safety Act.
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The UK media regulator Ofcom announced on Tuesday that it has launched an investigation into Telegram over concerns that the messaging service may not be adequately preventing the sharing of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Ofcom stated it gathered evidence indicating CSAM was present and being shared on the platform.
Under UK law, user-to-user services must implement systems to prevent users from encountering CSAM and other illegal content, with potential fines for non-compliance. Telegram stated it categorically denies Ofcom's accusations. The company said that since 2018, it has used detection algorithms and cooperated with non-governmental organizations to eliminate the public spread of CSAM on its platform.
added that it is surprised by the investigation and concerned it may relate to broader actions against platforms supporting freedom of speech and privacy. Suzanne Cater, director of enforcement at Ofcom, said child sexual exploitation and abuse causes harm to victims and that addressing it is a high priority for the regulator.
She noted progress in tackling CSAM on smaller services but stated the issue affects larger platforms as well. The children's charity NSPCC welcomed the investigation. Rani Govender, associate head of policy at NSPCC, said recent research showed around 100 child sexual abuse image offenses recorded by police daily, and the organization supports increased action to address the issue.
The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), which identifies and removes CSAM online, also welcomed the probe. Emma Hardy, communications director at IWF, said the organization shares concerns about networks distributing CSAM on Telegram and that while some actions have been taken, more safeguards are needed, including in end-to-end encrypted chats.
