British Regulator Investigates Telegram Regarding Alleged Child Abuse Content

JAKARTA - The British communications regulator, Ofcom, this week officially opened an investigation into Telegram following allegations of the spread of child sexual abuse material on the platform.

This step is part of the UK government's broader efforts to tighten supervision of digital platforms, especially regarding child protection in the online space. The investigation was carried out after Ofcom received evidence from the Canadian Centre for Child Protection showing the potential for the spread of illegal content, as well as the results of the regulator's internal assessment.

"Based on this, we have decided to open an investigation to assess whether Telegram has failed, or is failing, to meet its obligations regarding illegal content," Ofcom said in a statement.

The British government itself is pushing for stricter standards through regulations such as the Online Safety Act 2023. The British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has even been asked to ask technology companies to take greater responsibility in protecting young users, including considering restricting access to social media for children under 16.

In response to this investigation, Telegram denied the allegations. The Dubai-based company stated that it had significantly reduced the spread of illegal content since 2018 through the use of detection algorithms.

"We strongly reject Ofcom's allegations. Since 2018, we have almost completely eliminated the public dissemination of child sexual abuse material through our detection system," Telegram said in a statement.

However, the company has also voiced concerns that the investigation could be part of a broader crackdown on platforms that prioritize privacy and free speech.

Previously, Telegram was also sanctioned by the Australian online security regulator for being slow to respond to questions regarding measures to prevent the spread of harmful content.

In addition to Telegram, Ofcom is also investigating other platforms such as Teen Chat and Chat Avenue, regarding the potential risk of grooming children. The regulator considers that the protection efforts that have been made are still inadequate.

"These companies must do more to protect children, or face serious consequences under the Online Safety Act," said Ofcom's Director of Enforcement Suzanne Cater.

The case highlights a major dilemma in the digital age: how to balance user protection - especially children - with the principles of privacy and freedom of expression.

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