With a staggering 550 million users, Telegram has carved out its niche as the largest underground app globally. This hybrid messaging service and social network has woven controversy into the very fabric of its operations. From its inception as a response to escalating censorship in Russia to its current status as a largely unregulated platform, Telegram embodies a fervent, albeit often reckless, commitment to free speech.
Origins and Evolution
Co-founded by exiled Russian billionaire brothers Pavel and Nikolai Durov in 2013, Telegram emerged after Pavel lost control of VKontakte, a Russian social network he had launched seven years earlier. As the Russian government intensified its crackdown on independent voices, Pavel sought refuge in Berlin, where he co-founded Telegram. Although the app’s headquarters are officially located in the British Virgin Islands, it is effectively operated from Dubai, where Durov holds multiple citizenships.
Initially, Telegram functioned similarly to other messaging apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. However, over the years, it has evolved into a distinct social network. Users can engage in one-on-one conversations, join groups of up to 200,000 members, and create broadcast channels that allow for public commentary. This unique structure places Telegram in a nebulous space between public and private internet, where its content remains largely invisible to outsiders, yet can spread rapidly among its user base.
Controversial Usage in the UK
In the UK, Telegram has gained traction within far-right circles, notably serving as a platform for figures like Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson. After being banned from mainstream social networks, Robinson turned to Telegram to connect with his followers. Recently, this community has rallied around conspiratorial channels like the Unity News Network (UNN) and the far-right group Patriotic Alternative, alongside niche groups with names like “Southport Wake Up.”
Within these channels, discussions have taken a troubling turn, with some members expressing approval of violence during protests. Joe Mulhall, director of research at Hope Not Hate, highlighted the challenges of tracking these activities, noting that anonymous Telegram channels often spring up with little traceable information about their organizers. “We’ve been spending 24 hours a day for the last week attempting to dig down and find out who is organizing these events,” he stated.
Moderation Challenges
The private nature of Telegram complicates moderation efforts. While a chat group may boast 100,000 members, if it operates privately, external observers cannot report any inappropriate content. This lack of visibility has drawn criticism, particularly following accusations in 2015 regarding Telegram’s limited action against its use by extremist groups. Durov defended the platform, asserting that the right to privacy outweighs concerns about potential misuse.
Fast forward to today, and Telegram has implemented a more active moderation team than in its earlier years. However, Durov continues to engage in public disputes, including a recent verbal sparring match with rival messaging service Signal, where he has insinuated potential ties between Signal and the U.S. government. This is a curious stance for Telegram, considering that it does not offer end-to-end encryption by default, relying instead on users to activate a “secret chat” feature.
Legal Troubles and Future Prospects
Despite ongoing tensions with governments over censorship and moderation, Telegram’s most significant legal challenge occurred in 2017 when it attempted to launch its own blockchain, TON. The initiative led to a $1.7 billion cryptocurrency sale that attracted scrutiny from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. By the end of 2019, Telegram was compelled to return the funds and pay a fine of nearly $18.5 million.
As Telegram continues to navigate its complex landscape of free speech advocacy and regulatory scrutiny, its future remains uncertain but undeniably impactful. The app's evolution from a simple messaging service to a controversial social network underscores the delicate balance between privacy and accountability in today's digital age.