Google Forces Telegram To Remove Two Hamas-Owned Channels

Telegram removed Hamas' channel because of Google's policy (photo: dock. Telegram)

Telegram blocks a number ofchannels or channels used by Hamas, specifically on mobile phones with Android systems. The two channels reported by CNBC are pest_comdanbrigade al-Qassam.

Telegram confirmed that they did the blocking, but not because of the company's will. They blamed the guidelines from the Play Store, an app store from Google.

Actually, it's not surprising that a platform blocks accounts or channels related to Hamas, as Twitter and Instagram do.

However, Telegram is different. The company always doubts to close the channels used by Hamas until they finally close the two channels reported by CNBC.

Reportedly, the twochannels were used to warn civilians in carrying out the evacuation before Hamas' first attack launched. This channel is also used to distribute videos of their attacks.

Meanwhile, The Verge addressed Google directly and they confirmed Telegram's statement. They confirmed that Telegram removed two channels belonging to Hamas due to their app guidelines.

This undisclosed Google spokesperson said that Google prohibits violent content related to terrorism in the app. In order for Telegram not to be removed from the app store, they must follow Google's policies.

Since this content was only removed for Android users due to coercion from the Google Play Store, the two Hamas channels can still be accessed by iOS users.