The European Union is studying whether tough new internet content policies apply to Telegram as it worries about the spread of Russian disinformation on the platform.
Telegram: disinformation
Disputes about audience size
According to Bloomberg, the EU has begun negotiations with Telegram to clarify the number of users. Representatives of the messenger claim that there are about 41 million of them, but this data is questionable.
Strict moderation requirements
The Digital Services Act currently applies to platforms with more than 45 million active users. They are subject to strict content moderation rules, and violations face fines of up to 6% of global annual revenue. In case of repeated violations, the platform may be banned in the EU.
Calls to check Telegram status
Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas called on the European Commission to independently assess the size Telegram audience, believing that the same obligations should apply to the messenger as to Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. In her opinion, Telegram should qualify as “a very large online platform.”
Use for disinformation
Pro-Kremlin bots often use Telegram to spread disinformation, including about the war in Ukraine. However, company representatives say that the platform is “not very efficient for this” because it does not rely on algorithms. In addition, Telegram is allegedly preparing a fact-checking tool so that agencies can add verified information to relevant publications.
Problems with blocking
Earlier, Telegram founder Pavel Durov said that Apple had requested blocking of some channels for Ukrainian users. A few days later, the messenger allegedly “erroneously” temporarily banned “eVorog” and other Ukrainian military bots.
Glossary
- Telegram is a cross-platform messenger that allows you to exchange messages and media files.
- Disinformation is intentionally misleading information disseminated for propaganda purposes.
- The European Commission (European Commission) is the executive body of the European Union.
- Pavel Durov is a Russian entrepreneur, programmer and founder of Telegram.
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Discussion of the topic – The EU wants to control Telegram: four million users will decide the fate of the messenger
The European Union intends to establish control over Telegram due to fears of the spread of Russian disinformation. However, the gatekeeper status depends on the number of users in the EU, and the messenger may not meet this threshold.
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Ивана
Indeed, Telegram is a very popular platform, especially in Russia and the CIS countries. But I agree that there needs to be strict control over the spread of misinformation. 🤷♀️
Франсуа
It seems to me that Pavel Durov deliberately underestimates the number of users in order to avoid the new EU law. It's strange that there are no exact numbers. 🧐
Зигмунд
Ha, these new laws and regulations are complete nonsense! 🙄 Telegram is a great messenger and I don't want them to ruin it with their demands.
Наташа
Sigmund, but the spread of fakes and disinformation is a serious problem. Telegram must be responsible for the content on its platform. 💁♀️
Лукаш
A fact-checking tool is a good idea, but I don't think Telegram is entirely up to the task. Additional measures are needed from the authorities. 🤔
Зигмунд
Ugh, these useless trends and hype again! 🙄 People used to live normally without all this nonsense.
Анна
But it seems to me that Telegram deliberately created chaos around the situation with the number of users. Perhaps this is a marketing ploy to attract even more attention. 🤷♀️
Марко
To be honest, lately I have been increasingly leaning towards alternatives to Telegram. Signal, WhatsApp - they are at least trying to fight misinformation. 💪