Telegram Beefs Up Measures For Security & Content Moderation, Unveils Transparency Page

Telegram maintains a firm zero-tolerance stance against Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).

This dedicated page offers a detailed overview of Telegram's moderation practices and ongoing efforts to address harmful content.

Source : Unsplash/Rubaitul Azad

Telegram, a messaging platform nearing one billion monthly active users, was under heavy fire in the EU region over its alleged failure to moderate content on the platform. The company was even accused of allowing the circulation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). However, it has now unveiled a new webpage— telegram.org/moderation — to emphasise its commitment to user safety and transparency.

This dedicated page offers a detailed overview of Telegram's moderation practices and ongoing efforts to address harmful content, underscoring its mission to provide a secure digital environment for its global user base.

Since 2015, Telegram has employed a combination of user reports and proactive monitoring supported by machine learning to tackle abusive behavior. In early 2024, these measures were further strengthened with the integration of advanced AI moderation tools, enhancing the platform’s ability to identify and remove harmful content effectively.

Telegram's Zero Tolerance For CSAM

Telegram maintains a firm zero-tolerance stance against Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). Since 2018, public images on the platform have been automatically cross-checked against a hash database compiled from CSAM identified by Telegram’s moderation team over the past decade. In 2024, this database was further enhanced by incorporating hashes from reputable organizations like the Internet Watch Foundation.

To ensure transparency, Telegram releases daily reports detailing the removal of CSAM content and providing insights into its moderation processes. Alongside these proactive efforts, the platform also addresses CSAM-related reports from international third-party organizations through automated takedown addresses:

• abuse@telegram.org
• stopCA@telegram.org

Telegram's Efforts To Curb Terrorism & Extremism

Telegram remains firm in its commitment to combating violence and terrorist propaganda. Since 2016, the platform has been publishing daily transparency reports on the removal of terrorist-related content, earning praise from Europol for its efforts in counterterrorism. Through partnerships with organizations like ETIDAL and the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology, Telegram has significantly expanded its anti-terrorism initiatives since 2022.

The platform also gives users the ability to report inappropriate content directly to moderators. On Android, users can tap on a message, on iOS, they can press and hold it, and on Desktop or Web, they can right-click and choose 'Report.' The introduction of the new moderation transparency page underscores Telegram’s dedication to maintaining a secure and safe environment for its global user base.