The UK regulator Ofcom has opened investigations into Telegram and two teen chat sites after evidence suggested the platforms may have facilitated the sharing of child sexual abuse material and enabled grooming. Ofcom is probing potential breaches of the Online Safety Act and could impose measures or fines if violations are found; Telegram denies the allegations and the chat sites say they have safety measures in place. #Telegram #Ofcom
Keypoints
- Ofcom launched an investigation into Telegram after the Canadian Centre for Child Protection reported evidence of CSAM on the platform.
- The probe will assess whether Telegram violated requirements for user-to-user services under the UK Online Safety Act.
- Ofcom also opened investigations into Chat Avenue and Teen Chat over grooming risks and minors’ exposure to harmful content like pornography.
- Telegram denies the accusations, stating it uses detection algorithms and NGO cooperation to curb public spread of CSAM, while Chat Avenue and Teen Chat say they employ safety measures.
- If firms are found to have broken the law, Ofcom can order changes and impose fines up to £18 million or 10% of qualifying global revenue.
Read More: https://therecord.media/uk-regulator-to-probe-telegram-over-csam-allegations