2026-04-21 13:52:02
Ofcom Opens Investigation Into Telegram Over Child Safety Concerns Under Online Safety Act
Summary: Ofcom opens an Online Safety Act probe into Telegram over alleged child sexual abuse material, based on Canadian evidence; separate UK probes look at Teen Chat and Chat Avenue's protections.
Abstract: The article reports that UK regulator Ofcom has opened an investigation into Telegram under the Online Safety Act to assess whether the platform properly identified and mitigated risks related to child sexual abuse material, prompted by evidence from the Canadian Centre for Child Protection. In addition, Ofcom launched separate inquiries into Teen Chat and Chat Avenue to evaluate safeguards for British children against grooming. Telegram denies wrongdoing, citing years of advanced detection algorithms and NGO cooperation, while CEO Pavel Durov warns the probe could reflect broader efforts to curb platforms that defend free speech and privacy. The piece also notes a Moscow court’s fine on Telegram for failing to remove content calling for extremist activity and Russia’s Roskomnadzor history of pressuring the platform on removals.