Ofcom to probe Telegram over claims of child sexual abuse material on app
Two teen chat sites are also being separately investigated by online safety watchdog
In an update on its work under the Online Safety Act, Ofcom also said that six file-sharing providers had withdrawn their services from the UK after concerns were raised over the safety measures being taken to prevent offenders from disseminating abuse material.
Telegram said: “Telegram categorically denies Ofcom’s accusations. Since 2018, Telegram has virtually eliminated the public spread of [child sexual abuse material] on its platform through world-class detection algorithms and co-operation with NGOs. We are surprised by this investigation and concerned that it may be part of a broader attack on online platforms that defend freedom of speech and the right to privacy.”
Teen Chat said its platforms had “active human moderation, automated tools in place and easy-to-use reporting tools provided for users to utilise” and said it disagreed “with Ofcom’s position that we have not done enough”.
It added: “Unfortunately, our previous historical evidence has shown that, if grooming is attempted, it is done by redirecting users to another platform.”