The European Union is considering classifying the Telegram messenger as a "large online platform," which would mean tougher rules to combat disinformation and more scrutiny from regulators.
Telegram under close surveillance
User verification
EU regulators are currently negotiating with Telegram to find out the number of its active users. If found to be more than 45 million, the messenger would fall under the definition of a "large online platform" under the Digital Services Act (DSA). Representatives of Telegram claim that they have only 41 million users, but some European officials, including Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, doubt the reliability of this data.
Consequences of qualification
If Telegram is recognized as a "major online platform", before it stricter requirements to combat disinformation and propaganda will be applied. For non-compliance with DSA rules, companies can impose fines of up to 6% of global annual sales turnover. This measure is aimed at ensuring a safer online environment by preventing the spread of illegal content and increasing the transparency of platform algorithms.
Criticism of Telegram
According to Bloomberg, Telegram is often used by pro-Russian accounts to spread disinformation about war in Ukraine, immigration and climate change. In addition, the Russian special services tried to recruit criminals through the messenger for sabotage in European capitals. On the other hand, representatives of Telegram deny the effectiveness of the platform for spreading disinformation, as it does not rely on algorithms, and claim to be developing a tool for fact-checking false publications.
Dangers of Telegram for Ukraine
In Ukraine, Telegram is often criticized for its security risks. Among them are disruptions in work in European countries due to problems with the Russian segment of the Internet and sudden recovery of deleted messages. In addition, the messenger temporarily blocked Ukrainian bots that were used to report on the actions of the occupiers. Oleksiy Danilov, Secretary of the NSDC, called Telegram "very dangerous and vulnerable," and Ukrainian businessman Yaroslav Azhnyuk drew attention to the risks of using this service in state institutions. That is why the National Council for Television and Radio Broadcasting called for an end to official communication through Telegram, and the developers suggested creating an alternative "Diya.Kanaly".
Glossary
- Telegram is a popular messenger that can be qualified as "a large online platform" in accordance with EU legislation.
- The Digital Services Act (DSA) is a new EU regulatory act aimed at ensuring a safer online environment and combating disinformation.
- Yaroslav Azhniuk is a Ukrainian entrepreneur who drew attention to the security risks of Telegram.
- Oleksiy Danilov - Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, who criticized Telegram for its vulnerability.
- Kaia Kallas is the Prime Minister of Estonia who believes that Telegram should be qualified as a "big online platform".
Link
- Bloomberg article on Telegram scrutiny by EU regulators
- Reuters article on Telegram blocking Ukrainian bots
Answers to questions
Why might Telegram be subject to EU digital services law?
Why do some EU officials doubt the data on the number of Telegram users?
What are the risks associated with using Telegram to spread misinformation?
How will Telegram solve the problem of disinformation?
What other risks of using Telegram were expressed in Ukraine?
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Discussion of the topic – Telegram under threat of new rules for digital services in the EU: review by regulators
The Telegram messenger may be subject to the new law on digital services in the European Union. Regulators are looking into whether it qualifies as a "large online platform."
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Goran
It is interesting that Telegram may fall under the new EU law on digital services 🤔 I think this may force them to strengthen measures to combat disinformation and illegal content.
Katarzyna
Telegram has always been known for its privacy and security, but if they are really spreading misinformation, then regulation will be appropriate 👍 You need to know where the information is coming from.
Harald
In my opinion, @Goran, Telegram has the right to protect user privacy. But I agree that spreading misinformation is a problem 🚨 Maybe they should implement more content verification tools?
Oksana
In my opinion, Telegram is too protected and opaque 🕵️♀️ Some groups there are just terrible - propaganda, fakes, illegal things... Regulation is needed to make the messenger safer for everyone.
Günther
I think all these new laws and regulations are just ridiculous 🙄 They won't change anything, they will only cause trouble for developers. There were times when no one interfered in our digital affairs...
Eliza
I understand @Günther that change is not always easy to accept. But the world is moving forward and you have to adapt 🌐 Misinformation is a serious problem these days, so Telegram needs to take responsibility.
Lorenzo
Perhaps, instead of regulation, it is worth making Telegram more open and transparent? 🔍 Let people decide for themselves what to believe. But the distribution of illegal content should, of course, be punished.
Zuzanna
It is interesting that Telegram plans to add a tool for fact-checking posts 🕵️ I think this is a step in the right direction. But fines of up to 6% of income seem somewhat exaggerated 😬