Telegram CEO Defends Controversial Stance on Handling Sensitive Content

Amidst the ongoing debate around social media platforms and their management of incendiary and graphic content related to Hamas and Israel, Pavel Durov, the CEO of Telegram, has sparked controversy by defending his messaging app’s decision to allow sensitive war-related coverage. Durov argues that Telegram can serve as an essential channel for information dissemination.

Distinguishing Telegram from Social Media Platforms

Unlike traditional social media platforms, Telegram operates on a subscription-based model, meaning users only receive content they have actively chosen to subscribe to. These claims, however, overlook the fact that content shared on Telegram can still be widely disseminated.

War-related Coverage: A Gray Area

In a recent Telegram post, Durov emphasized that while millions of obviously harmful content is removed from the platform, sensitive war-related coverage is a more complex issue. The CEO did not clarify the distinction between harmful content and war-related coverage.

According to Durov, closing down channels that share sensitive content risks worsening an already dire situation. As an example, he cited how Hamas utilized Telegram to warn civilians in Ashkelon about impending missile strikes. He posed a critical question: would shutting down such channels save lives or put more lives at risk?

Telegram’s Role in the Information Dissemination

Telegram has been at the forefront of information sharing, particularly during recent events involving Hamas and Israel. In the initial stages of the terrorist attacks, unedited and graphic videos were posted on Telegram by Hamas and its affiliates. As a result, mainstream media and individuals turned to Telegram as a primary reference point, often sharing and linking directly to Telegram posts. However, Telegram has faced criticism for its role in disseminating this information.

A Potentially Opportunistic Move

Skeptics argue that Telegram may be capitalizing on the situation, leveraging the increased traffic resulting from the ongoing conflicts. Durov revealed that “hundreds of thousands” of new users from Israel and the Palestinian Territories signed up for Telegram in the aftermath of the attacks. Telegram responded by adding support for Hebrew in its user interface, stating that everyone affected should have reliable access to news and private communication during such dire times.

Consistent Approach to Sensitive Content

Durov’s defense of Telegram aligns with the company’s historical stance on sensitive content. The CEO has consistently emphasized the distinction between Telegram and other social media apps. While social media platforms often algorithmically promote shocking content, Telegram ensures users only receive content they have intentionally subscribed to. Durov believes that Telegram channels provide a valuable source of first-hand information for researchers, journalists, and fact-checkers, rather than serving as a platform for significant propaganda amplification.

Telegram has previously faced controversy for its permissive approach to violent individuals and groups. Despite being utilized as a communication hub during conflicts like the war in Ukraine, Telegram has also been criticized for fostering misinformation. The platform has been used both by resistance groups in Myanmar and militants supporting the current regime, with CNN’s investigation shedding light on how it is employed to target individuals. Telegram’s status as a favored platform for recognized terrorist groups is also well-documented, with Hamas being recognized as a terrorist organization by several countries, including the U.S., U.K., and Israel.