UK Regulator Ofcom Investigates Telegram for Potential Failures in Preventing Child Sexual Abuse Material

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.

Related Investigations Ofcom said it initiated the Telegram probe after being contacted by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection regarding alleged CSAM on the app. The regulator also announced investigations into Teen Chat and Chat Avenue over potential grooming risks identified through work with child protection agencies.

Suzanne Cater said teen-focused chat services are being used by predators to groom children and that firms must take further protective measures or face consequences under the Online Safety Act. The firm behind Teen Chat stated it disagrees with Ofcom's position and highlighted its systems, including human moderation, content reporting, and chat filters, to prevent illegal activity.

The company added it is working with Ofcom but has nearly reached the limit of what can be expected from a small platform. The Online Safety Act's illegal content duties, effective since March 2025, require services like messaging apps to address priority illegal content, including CSAM, terrorism, grooming, and extreme pornography.

Ofcom has the authority to fine non-compliant companies up to £18 million or 10% of global revenues, whichever is higher. The regulator has issued fines to other providers for failures in illegal content handling or age checks. One file-sharing service contacted by Ofcom made improvements to its systems for dealing with illegal content, according to the regulator.