Anas SheriffTable of Contents
Telegram has partnered with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) to combat child sexual abuse material (CSAM), marking a major turning point for the platform, which has long been criticized for inadequate content moderation.
A Long-Awaited Change
With 950 million users worldwide, Telegram has faced persistent backlash for enabling illegal activities such as CSAM, cybercrime, and fraud. Unlike other major social media platforms, Telegram had previously refused to work with organizations like the IWF to address these issues.
The shift comes after its founder, Pavel Durov, was detained in France. Authorities accused Durov of failing to control criminal activity on the platform, including drug trafficking and child exploitation. His arrest appears to have spurred significant changes, including the decision to partner with the IWF.
What Telegram Gains from This Partnership
The IWF is a globally recognized organization that helps tech companies identify and block CSAM. Telegram claims it already removes hundreds of thousands of CSAM posts each month using its own systems. Now, with the IWF’s expertise, the platform aims to strengthen its ability to prevent harmful material from spreading.
“This partnership is transformational, but it’s only the first step in a much longer journey,” said Derek Ray-Hill, Interim CEO at the IWF.
Steps Telegram is Taking
Alongside joining the IWF, Telegram has introduced other changes to improve safety and transparency:
- Cooperation with law enforcement: Telegram will now provide user information, such as IP addresses and phone numbers, in response to valid legal requests.
- Disabling risky features: The controversial “people nearby” feature, which was often exploited by scammers and bots, has been removed.
- Transparency reports: Telegram will publish regular updates about its moderation efforts, adopting an industry-standard practice it had previously resisted.
Founder Pavel Durov has expressed his commitment to turning Telegram’s moderation practices into a model others can admire.
Challenges on the Horizon
While these steps are promising, critics say Telegram still has a long way to go. The platform’s hybrid encryption model raises questions about how effectively it can monitor illegal activity without compromising user privacy. Additionally, Telegram must work to rebuild trust and prove it can implement meaningful, lasting change.
A Broader Impact
Telegram’s decision to collaborate with the IWF could set an example for other messaging platforms struggling to balance privacy and responsibility. As Telegram adjusts its policies, its influence may extend beyond its core user bases in Russia, Ukraine, Iran, and other regions.
This move represents a significant step forward for Telegram, signaling a commitment to greater accountability and safety while maintaining its focus on privacy. The road ahead may be challenging, but this decision marks the beginning of a new era for the platform and its users.
