Telegram Partners with Internet Watch Foundation to Combat Child Abuse Content

Telegram, the popular messaging app, has announced a major policy shift by partnering with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) to fight the spread of child sexual abuse material. Previously, Telegram had refused to cooperate with the IWF or similar organizations, despite repeated requests.

The IWF works with leading internet companies, providing tools to identify and remove illegal content. Derek Ray-Hill, Acting CEO of the IWF, stated that Telegram’s decision to join the foundation will allow the platform to use advanced tools to prevent the distribution of such material. The IWF described this move as “transformational,” emphasizing that it is only the first step toward broader changes.

Background: Legal Pressure and Policy Changes

Telegram’s change in stance comes four months after its founder, Pavel Durov, was detained in France. He faces charges of insufficient cooperation with law enforcement in combating drug trafficking, fraud, and the distribution of child sexual abuse material. A court order currently prohibits Durov from leaving France until the investigation is complete. Company representatives have called the accusations unfair, arguing that the founder is not responsible for users’ actions.

In response, Telegram has announced new measures to improve content moderation. The company stated it will begin sharing IP addresses and phone numbers of lawbreakers with law enforcement upon official request, disable the “People Nearby” feature—which had been exploited by scammers—and regularly publish content moderation reports. Pavel Durov expressed his intention to turn Telegram’s moderation approach from a subject of criticism into a model for others.

Telegram’s Global Reach and Ongoing Challenges

Telegram is especially popular in the CIS countries, Iran, and the Middle East. However, investigative journalists have found that the platform is used to advertise drugs, offer cybercrime services, and distribute illegal materials. One expert described Telegram as a “darknet in your pocket” due to its appeal among criminal elements.

Telegram reported that before joining the IWF, it was already removing hundreds of thousands of pieces of illegal content each month using its own algorithms. Now, company representatives say that working with the IWF will strengthen their control mechanisms to better combat the spread of prohibited materials.