Telegram U-turns and joins child safety scheme

Published:  Wed 4 Dec 2024

After years of ignoring pleas to sign up to child protection schemes, the controversial messaging app Telegram has agreed to work with an internationally recognised body to stop the spread of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) is used by major online services to help them detect and remove CSAM, and prevent its spread.

Telegram had repeatedly refused to engage with it or any similar scheme.

But, four months after its founder Pavel Durov was arrested in Paris for Telegram's alleged failure to moderate extreme content, the platform has announced a U-turn.

The IWF has described Telegram's decision as “transformational” but warned it was the first step in a “much longer journey” for the app.

Read the full article at BBC News.

Telegram plans child abuse crackdown following Pavel Durov’s arrest in Paris

Telegram plans child abuse crackdown following Pavel Durov’s arrest in Paris

Messaging app Telegram will deploy new tools to prevent the spread of images of child sexual abuse after teaming up with the Internet Watch Foundation.

5 December 2024 IWF In The News
Paedophile Hugh Nelson who made AI child abuse images from real pictures sent to him jailed for 18 years in 'deeply horrifying' landmark case

Paedophile Hugh Nelson who made AI child abuse images from real pictures sent to him jailed for 18 years in 'deeply horrifying' landmark case

The images that Nelson made have been linked back to real children around the world. In some cases, he then went on to encourage his clients to rape and sexually assault the youngsters.

28 October 2024 IWF In The News
AI-generated child sexual abuse imagery reaching ‘tipping point’, says watchdog

AI-generated child sexual abuse imagery reaching ‘tipping point’, says watchdog

Internet Watch Foundation says illegal AI-made content is becoming more prevalent on open web with high level of sophistication.

18 October 2024 IWF In The News