Telegram faces challenges as free speech clashes with security concerns.
The Messaging app Telegram has come under increased scrutiny from governments worldwide over facilitating both free expression and alleged security threats. Founder Pavel Durov’s detention in France for alleged offenses including organized crime added to these challenges.
Telegram rejects claims against Durov as “absurd” while emphasizing the importance of privacy and encryption. During protests in Belarus and Thailand, activists utilized the platform. However, 31 countries have at times restricted Telegram, affecting over 3 billion users.
The UK saw calls for regulation over anti-immigrant riots coordinated on Telegram. Germany fined the app €5 million for non-compliance before agreeing to cooperate. Spain briefly banned it for copyright issues but reversed the order.
Norway does not allow government officials to use Telegram citing national security risks. Russia imposed a two-year ban from 2018 to 2020 after refusing to share user data. Belarus threatens imprisonment for joining certain channels.
China blocked Telegram in 2015 following distributed denial-of-service attacks, while half of Iran’s population reportedly used it before a 2018 ban amid protests. India is investigating the app over criminal links. Thailand banned it during the 2020 anti-government demonstrations.
As governments balance security concerns with supporting free expression, Telegram aims to protect privacy through encryption while working to curb explicitly illegal content on the platform. Its role in protests highlights challenges around internet freedom versus state control.
